have understood that this miracle was performed in order to save the Yidden, and they would be too scared to endanger themselves by entering the sea. However, now that all the waters in the world split at the same time, they managed to convince themselves that this was a freak occurrence of nature and had nothing to do with the Jews. Sure enough, the Mitzriyim went along with this rationalization, followed the Jews into the sea, and there they died.
ii) The Sar Shalom of Belz zt”l answers that mayim represents troubles, as it states (Tehillim 69:2): הושיעני אלוקים כי באו מים עד נפש – “Save me Hashem because water (troubles) is covering over my soul.” When the Torah tells us that “water” split, this means we are saved from all troubles. Throughout all generations, Kriyas Yam Suf occurs again, and each year we merit new salvations. In particular, a person can have a yeshuah for parnassah and shidduchim, because Chazal compare the hardships of parnassah and shidduchim to Kriyas Yam Suf.
The Ateres Tzvi writes, “When the sea split, it opened salvations for all generations – for the individual and the community. Even if the gates of parnassah or the gates of shidduchim are chas veshalom closed, one should pray at this special eis ratzon by Kriyas Yam Suf... and Hashem will save Bnei Yisrael when they shout out to Him."
