From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, February 7,8, 2025/9,10 Shevat 5785
Tu B’Shevat starts on Thursday February 13-16.
This Sabbath the Torah continues with the Israelites departing Egypt, but the Pharaoh changes his mind and decides to pursue them. The Red Sea split open, and the Israelites crossed safely. The Egyptians drowned in the Red Sea. The Israelites celebrate by singing a song of victory to G-d. The Israelites begin their journey through the wilderness with complaints to Moses about the lack of food and water. G-d grants the Israelites water and heavenly manna. The Amalekites attack the Israelites, and Joshua, who was an appointee of Moses, successfully destroys their forces.
Nissim/Miracles in the Torah. The splitting of the Red Sea is considered the greatest miracle in the Five Books of Moses. Scientific speculation of this event includes that a strong east wind, which was blowing all night, ebbed the tide. Martin Buber, a modern philosopher, argued that the details of the Red Sea are not important. What was important was that the Israelites understood the parting of the Red Sea was an act of their G-d, as a “miracle.” In Exodus 15 the Song of the Sea which was chanted by Moses and the children of Israel is today a part of both the daily and festival morning services. Chanting it is a constant reminder of G-d’s dependability in times of grave crisis.
The other concepts of Judaism in this Torah Parsha are the Sabbath, there are no shortcuts in life, the joy and beautification of a mitzvah, action is important, not only prayer, and not to go beyond permitted limits on the Sabbath.
Even before the receiving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, and the Israelites knew about the Sabbath. At Mount Sinai the Israelites were commanded to refrain from collecting the manna on the day Moses refers to as “a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath unto G-d” (Exodus 16:22-23).
As to the “No Shortcuts in Life” comes from Exodus 23:17, we are told that G-d did not take the Israelites by the way of the Philistines (David and Goliath, now known as Gaza), which was nearby. Moses followed the long paths and routes…yes, he did not ask for directions. Many reasons…we were to view the whole land promised to us, we were avoiding dangerous tribes that the slave mentality and strength would not be able to succeed. Therefore, one should invest time and effort in doing anything worthwhile in life.
The Haftarah features Deborah, considered both a prophet of G-d and a Judge. The Haftarah is the closing part of the Torah service. In times when the Jewish people could not study or practice Judaism on pain of death, they read the Prophets. The connection of the Torah and Haftarah this Shabbat is one of songs of thanksgiving. Both the song of Moses’ and the song of Deborah, praise G-d for delivering the Israelites from their enemy. * Deborah also led the army into battle because her General was too afraid!
Deborah gets all the credit so I will not mention the general’s name, however you may read the Book of Deborah in Neviim (Prophets).
As promised the list of items for Tu B’Shevat:
Each one has a relation in the Torah symbolizing important moments.
Wheat, barley, grapevine, fig, pomegranate, olive, dates and the less known but important are Buxar/carob and devash/honey.
Try to find in the Torah where these species are mentioned, one hint, one is found in a special Megillah! If you are close to obtaining all or most, I will be giving a special surprise for your endeavours of learning.
We continue to pray for the release of ALL our hostages and obtain peace in Israel.
We also pray for our leaders both President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu, to gain support from all nations and have success in having a pathway of peace throughout the Middle East.
Shabbat Shalom v’ Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
