We relate today the Crossing of the Sea. This, the culminating miracle of Pesach, seemed to have even less audience participation than the Exodus itself. On the night of the final plague the Jews had at least performed the mitzvot of the Seder; while here the people seem to be only passive observers. Yet that is only superficially. If we examine the story more carefully we can see that the Israelites were required to perform a great act; one that required both courage and faith. It is true that G-d parted the sea for them but the people still had to go forward between the walls of water. Indeed, according to the midrash, only when they moved forward into the sea did the waters part. But even according to the plain meaning of the text it took great fortitude and belief in G-d to advance along a path that at any moment could become a fatal quagmire. Today we also read the Song of Songs. In this love story there exists an interesting episode. The lover knocks on the door of his girlfriends lodgings but is already ready for bed. When he asks her to come out with him she procrastinates, saying that she has to get dressed and put on her makeup. By the time she is ready her lover has already gone and she is forced to roam the streets searching for him. The Rabbis compared this to the Jewish people and their Divine suitor. G-d calls on the Jews to follow him in order that they He can redeem them. He knocks on their door begging them to leave what they are doing and go after him. Yet they procrastinate, not sure of how to respond; preferring the comfort of the familiar to the unknown path G-d is calling them to. By the time they make up their mind it is to late and they have to spend years searching for G-d. This was the fate of the Jews at the time of the return from Babylon; not supporting the return they lost the chance of inaugurating the Messianic age. Unlike their fathers at the Sea they did not have the faith to follow G-d and so we are still waiting for the Redemption. The last days of Pesach are traditionally days of anticipation of the final redemption. In reading the story of the Crossing of the Sea we see how we should respond to G-d’s call. In reciting the Song of Songs we learn the dangers of procrastination. We ask G-d to redeem us but are we heeding the Divine knock at the door. It could be that rather than us waiting for G-d, G-d is waiting for us.
TORAH PREVIEW
FIRST DAY: 121-126 HAFTORAH: 126-129
The Torah Reading from Exodus deals with crossing of the Red Sea. The Haftorah from Samuel is David’s song of thanksgiving.
SECOND DAY: 131-134 HAFTORAH: 134-135
The Torah Reading from Deuteronomy deals with the three Pilgrim Festivals. The Haftorah from Isaiah is a vision of the Messianic age.
KNOW YOUR SONG !
Who wrote Song of Songs?
Why is it said on Pesach?
When else is it said on Pesach?
What is the name of the female lover?
Why want the woman open the door to her lover?
Where are there royal vineyards?
Who in Jewish tradition are the two lovers?
What is stronger than death?
What is the female compared to?
When do Sefardim say the song?
