Ohr HaChaim Yomi: Yitzhak Levi’s weekly question and answer on Parashat Beshalach, drawing on the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh, Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar.
So here we are, Parashat Beshalach, the Israelites have finally left Egypt, and they’re in the desert. After the dramatic exodus, the Egyptian army chases them down, and they’re stuck with nowhere to go—except, of course, for the Red Sea in front of them and an army behind them (Shemot 14:10-12). Talk about a tough spot.
I know, you’re probably thinking, “Wait, didn’t we just leave Egypt? Why are we in another crisis already?” Good question.
You see, Hashem didn’t just want the Jews to get out of Egypt, high five each other, and call it a day. No, no. This whole journey was about trust. The Jews were about to experience a test: Would they trust Hashem to guide them even when it seemed like all hope was lost?
It’s like when you’re playing a video game, right? You’re on level 10, and things look easy— until BOOM, level 11 hits. Now you’re surrounded by monsters, and the game asks, “Do you trust that you can win, or will you quit?”
That’s the question Hashem posed to the Israelites. “Do you trust that I’ll help you? Even now?”
And, of course, they complained. They were afraid. And really, who wouldn’t be? They were stuck. It’s like when you think you’ve finally figured out your life… and then everything goes wrong at once.
But here’s the twist. In the moment when everything seemed hopeless, Hashem showed them that He had it all under control. He instructed Moshe to raise his staff, and boom—the sea splits, they walk through, and the army’s wiped out (Shemot 14:21-22). Plot twist. Trusting Hashem didn’t just get them through the tough spot—it split the sea!
Let’s connect this to our everyday lives: Have you ever been stuck in a situation that seemed impossible? Maybe it’s a big project, a stressful exam, or even just trying to get through the week. Your mind’s telling you, “This is it. I’m stuck. There’s no way out.”
And here’s where the secret comes in: The first step is trusting that Hashem’s got a plan, even when you can’t see it. Because when you trust, the “sea” that’s in front of you just might split, but first, you’ve got to take the step and show that trust.
Just like the Israelites who were about to see a miracle, so too can we. Trust that Hashem will make a way, even when the situation seems impossible.
The takeaway: Next time you’re stuck, and you feel like there’s no way out, ask yourself: “Do I trust that Hashem can split my ‘sea’?” If the answer is yes, your miracle might be just one step away