In Parshat Beshalach, the Torah presents us with the details of the redemption of the Bnei Yisrael who had been fleeing from Egypt. Once they safely reached the other side of the Red Sea, together with Moshe, they sang the “אז ישיר”, the Song of Moshe and within it, they declared, “זה א-לי ואנוהו,” – this is my G-d and I will glorify Him.
Each and every individual made that statement and our sages teach that from here we realize that all of the Benei Yisrael at that moment reached the greatest heights of prophecy – equal even to the prophecy of Ezekiel. They had exclaimed, “זה א-לי,” – as though they were pointing, as if to say, we can actually feel the presence of Hashem right now Who is communicating directly with us.
But Rashi, bringing the midrash of the Mechilta, adds a further point. Rashi says that, what each individual was actually saying at that time was, “לא אני תחילת הקדושה,” – “This holiness did not start with me.” As great as I am at this moment, and as wonderful as my prophecy is, I’m not really the one who’s responsible for it. And we learn this from the continuation of the verse: “אלקי אבי וארממנהו,” – “Hashem is the God of my father and I will exalt him.”
Respect was given to a previous generation who sowed the seeds for that great moment to happen.
I believe that the message here is of great relevance for us in our times. What I’m seeing, is that within our sophisticated, fast moving and highly creative society there is less respect today for parents and grandparents than what we saw in previous generations. But from Parshat Beshalach we learn that actually, just the opposite should be the case. The more we are achieving, the more indebted we should feel to those who preceded us. The greater our creativity and achievements, the more we need to look back and to thank parents, grandparents and great grandparents because from Parshat Beshalach we learn that if not for them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
So on that note, I say to my parents; Thank you for all that you do, because you both do a lot. I’m so sorry I don’t give you enough credit for just how much you do for me and other people. All the Chessed I have learned is from seeing your Chessed, no matter what time of day or how. You both continually put others before yourselves not only when it comes to family, friends, but also people you have never met before. You never miss an opportunity to care for or support me or any of my siblings. I thank you. I don't think you could ever hear that phrase enough. I appreciate you both so much. I would be nothing without you.
I urge you too to thank your parent’s, grandparents, great grandparents, don’t wait till it’s too late.
Once you’ve thanked them, let’s join together to pray with all our hearts for the healing of all those injured, for the safe return of those taken as hostages, as well as Divine Protection for our brave IDF soldiers, Police officers, medical professionals, Firefighters, ZAKA members, security personnel and all those citizens protecting us in Israel as well as around the world, and for those who need healing, shidduchim, children or parnassah and may we be blessed to have the most awesome, gorgeous, beautiful, peaceful, healthy, amazing, relaxed, spiritual, safe, quiet and sweet Shabbat.
