Spark of Jewish Experience

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* If one recalls American history, the war in Vietnam was a disaster; the United States fought a war in a distant strange land. In that scenario or one similar to it, usually the morale of the servicemen are down for the visiting army. One most likely can draw a list and argue not to be there; the lack of purpose is often greater, as history has proven. However, the country being invaded will have tremendous motivation to protect their land. G-d, with sensitivity and delicately, wanted to protect the Israelites and not add more pressure then what they were experiencing and therefore guided them en route to the Promised Land through the Sinai desert; first east, then north, so they will enter the land from the eastern bank of the Jordan River. If they had travelled the short and easy way, they would have to go through the unfriendly country of the Philistines and almost surely have had to fight a war. The Philistines would have rallied around the motivational cry of stopping the invaders, which would give them a psychological edge. Plus, the Israelites would have been exposed to the sight of the bones of their comrades (some members of the tribe of Benyamin) who were ambushed and killed by these same Philistines, which occurred a short time earlier.

* We see the selfless and leadership skills of Moshe while the Israelites were busy with their personal needs in leaving Egypt; Moshe retrieved the bones of Yosef to be brought to the Promised Land as promised.

* G-d led them out through the cloud of glory, which was chosen to be their tour guide till they reach the land of Israel.

* Pharaoh, once again, has a change of heart and declares they must return. He unleashes his army, 600 elite chariots, and chases after the Israelites.

Second Portion

* The Israelites were in fear because they saw the Egyptian army in tremendous unison.

* In his assurance to the Israelites, Moshe said ”you shall not see them again”. Their status of superpower will be taken and they will never be a threat. The Rambam (Maimonides), who lived in Egypt for a period of time, mentioned in his writings that that he lived in Egypt. I am transgressing a commandment ”it’s forbidden for Jews to travel or live in Egypt on a permanent basis”. One of the sources for this commandment is here ”you shall not see them again”. It’s astonishing how there was a thriving Jewish community in Alexandria, many years back, which held one of the biggest Synagogues in history (5000 seats). The Rabbi had to raise a flag indicating to the congregants to say amen.

Third Portion

* The Israelites, who had the sea in front of them and the Egyptians chasing behind them, were ordered and reassured by Moshe, via G-d, to jump in the water, for it will split and you will walk on dry land.

* In one of the most amazing moments in history, Moshe raised his rod as ordered by G-d and the sea split!

* G-d said to Moshe, “My name will be glorified through Pharaoh and the Egyptian army, the Egyptians will be in fear, for they will know I am G-d”. Who will be in fear? Is it the people who stayed behind in Egypt? The ones that will be in fear are none other then the Egyptian army before they perished at sea. G-d said it is worth it to split the sea for having only the Egyptians soldiers realize the truth as the waters come together before their death. How often does one have the opportunity to clearly see the truth?

* The Israelites walked through the sea in dry surface with walls of water to the left and right of them.

* The Egyptian army pursued the Israelites, going through the water.

Fourth Portion

* After the last of the children of Israel walked through the sea and the whole Egyptian army are now positioned between the walls of water, G-d ordered Moshe to raise his hands once more and the water will go back to its original state. Moshe did so as G-d commanded and the Egyptian army and their chariots all drowned.

* After seeing the miraculous events G-d has done on their behalf, the Israelites had the ultimate belief in G-d and they reciprocated by singing a song ”Az Yashir”.

* This is the most famous of the ten songs found from the beginning to the scriptural period.

* There are a number of hints in the Torah about the redemption. ”Az Yashir”, then he will sing, the commentaries are bothered, it should say Az Shar – and then he sang. It means he will sing in the future, in the Messianic era.

* Another explanation of ”Az Yashir”, Moshe’s singing came natural; it wasn’t forced. Singing is the ultimate form of appreciation one can give G-d.

* Many recite this song when in need of a mate and for parnasa (livelihood). It says it’s harder for G-d to match two people than splitting the sea. The fact that it’s linked together hints tremendous merit reciting for this purpose.

* We learn a lesson from Miriam, Moshe’s sister, when she gathered women and they followed after her, and danced amongst themselves separately away from the men. Our Jewish mothers, ancestors throughout history and in every continent took pride in modest behavior.

* Trust in G-d is being brought out in these passages through the laws of ‘Choke’ (laws that have no reason, it just has to be done). At Marah, one of the stops the Jews made after leaving the sea, the water was bitter. G-d told Moshe to place the bitter tree into the bitter water and it will turn sweet. There was no logic (as opposed to the cases in Parshat Mishpatim); Just do it, no questions asked.

Fifth Portion

* G-d introduces us to Man’s heavenly food. Man has characteristics of Olam Habah; it has no side affects, no relieving of yourself is necessary. The more spiritual one gets, the more the Mann (manna) tasted better; it can taste as any food you desire.

* This is another sign of G-d’s power. Even in the wilderness, G-d provides and serves his people like they’re in heaven.

Sixth Portion

* Every morning Mann was placed at the doorstep along with the morning paper.

* It was not delivered on Shabbat; however Friday there would be a double portion.

* Shabbat represents Olam Habah and the bread (that we say Hamotzi) represents the Mann. This is one of the reasons why we cover the challah. If one notices, every Jewish home has a tablecloth for their Shabbat table. One reason – besides being fancy-shmancy – is we replicate how the Mann came to our ancestors covered on top and a bottom layer (the tablecloth) as well.

Seventh Portion

* After all the open miracles that happened to the Jews. There was a certain respect in which the nations of the world had for the Israelites who represented G-d. It goes without saying today, the Jews, when they have the Torah, represent G-d as well. So when someone starts up with the Jews, they actually start up with G-d. Fresh from one of the most miraculous, hands-on, G-dly events in history, the Amalek nation had the audacity to wage war with G-d’s representatives, the Jews, and in the process desensitizing the nations of the world of the awe of G-d. For this reason, Amalek is despised by G-d and orders the Israelites to wipe them out.

As I was becoming more interested in learning Torah and exploring the ‘black-hat’ American Orthodox world, I discovered something very interesting. At a friend’s ultra-Orthodox wedding, I overheard someone of importance showing concern at the ‘laibidig’ fast-beat music that was being played. I remember saying to myself, “Man, get real. This is right-wing Jewish music. What’s your problem?” There are no women singers or naughty lyrics; it’s harmless. After doing some inquiries about the subject, curious that I am, I discovered the Rabbis (unofficially) are not in favor of fast-paced music; it makes the individual lightheaded. Although they will not implement any action against the fast-paced music, however, their disapproval is weighed heavily.

I felt that the Orthodox religious authorities were making a big deal out of this and are stifling the ability for the youngsters to let out some steam on the dance floor. Hey! I want to be religious and have a good time as well. Then a number of years later, I read an article in the New York Times about a new fast-beat music called trance, where there was concern on the behavior of the listeners. The rhythm and beat of trance is faster than Rock-n-Roll and R&B; the BPM reaches 140 as compared to Rock’s 120.The article showed reports of people caught speeding because of listening to the faster paced computer-generated music; it seems like it’s harder to produce that kind of speed with the conventional instruments. The response of the offenders was, “I just got carried away with the music and didn’t realize the speed”. Reports show a change of brainwave activities.

The Jewish Rabbinical authorities were concerned about the light- headedness that some music can cause. There is an argument among the Rabbis over the last 500 years when listening to music. Although they say it’s therapeutic, however, it has to be listened to at appropriate times. Judaism emphatically believes that the intellect should always be in control of emotions. Perhaps there should be some regulations or at least awareness of the affects of music.