D’var Torah – February 7
I pray this finds you all well.
Every time I hear Sir Winston Churchill’s immortal and inspiring call, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never in nothing, great or small, large or petty — never give in,” I feel a renewed and overwhelming sense of confidence, renewal, grit, and determination.[1]
In life, when met with push-back, trial and tribulation, or outright failure, we have two choices: accept our defeat or dust ourselves off and keep striving towards our goals.
Case in point: in this week’s parsha of Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16) we read one of the most dramatic moments not just in Torah, but indeed the entirety of the Jewish people.
The Children find themselves trapped between the Sea of Reeds and Pharaoh’s approaching army. Angrily, they cry out to Moses: “Was it for want of graves in Egypt that you brought us to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, taking us out of Egypt? Is this not the very thing we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us be, and we will serve the Egyptians, for it is better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness’?” (Exodus 14:11-12)(Sefaria.org)
Moshe Rebbeinu’s rebuke is both powerful and indeed a lesson for all time: “Have no fear! Stand by, and witness the deliverance which Adonai will work for you today; for the Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again. Adonai will battle for you; you hold your peace!”(Exodus 14:13-14)(Sefaria.org)
Fear, failure, setback, sadness, and disappointment come in all shapes and sizes. From a leaky roof or flooded basement to receiving an unforeseen expense or hefty bill, from not meeting a weight loss or fitness goal to not getting admitted into the college or university of own choice or not landing that dream job, or even the unexpected and tragic death of a dear friend or loved one, our lives can invariably hit snags, roadblocks, and trying moments. In such circumstances, many would be naturally inclined to wring their hands, wail, sob, scream, and cry their eyes out, or ball themselves up in a corner. However, our faith tells us not to wallow in self-pity, worry, or grief, but rather to get back on the horse and keep moving forward. Judaism and God demand that we keep moving the football down the field.
The psalmist David writes, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)(Mechon Mamre)
In the Book of Isaiah, God declares: “Fear not, for I am with you, Be not frightened, for I am your God; I strengthen you and I help you, I uphold you with My victorious right hand.”
(Isaiah 41:10)(Sefaria.org)
Finally, God commands Joshua, “I charge you: Be strong and resolute; do not be terrified or dismayed, for the Eternal your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)(Sefaria.org)
Bizrat HaShem, may we all realize that we never walk alone. God walks with us consistently and has implanted within each of us unlimited courage, resolve, and determination. May we always harness these God-given gifts.
Wishing you a Good Shabbos and a great weekend.
Bivrakha,
Rabbi Aaron Stucker-Rozovsky
Beth El Congregation | 520 Fairmont Ave, Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-1889 (office)