By Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz
In this week’s parsha, Bishalach, Hashem had the Jewish people turn around and backtrack. They found themselves stuck between the raging sea and the nearing Egyptian war machine. They turned to Moshe and he turned to Hashem in prayer. Hashem said to Moshe “Why do you cry out to Me? Speak to the children of Israel and let them journey forth.”
What lessons can we take from this? How does this connect with Yud Shvat?
We have been in exile for two thousand years. Our ultimate purpose is to transform this world into a place where Hashem’s presence can dwell openly. That will happen with the coming of Moshiach.
The Rebbe, the Moshe of our time, gave us clear marching orders. Bring Moshiach now! In other words, it is in our ability to bring Moshiach.
Sometimes it feels like we are in an impossible situation, the whole world seems to be against us and we are backed against a raging tide.
At times like these, we need to realize that it is Hashem Who turned us around and put us into this situation. He wants us there. There is a purpose that can only be realized through this difficult situation.
Will we complain? Will we cry out to Hashem? Of course. Then we must lift our heads and forge ahead obstacles not withstanding. When we do that Hashem splits seas for us.
For the past three years I have been in a difficult predicament which seems to only get worse. Do I pray? Do I cry out to Hashem that He heal me? Yes, all the time. However, the illness has not broken my spirit because I know that Hashem put me here and that He wants me here. I don’t like it, but I continue to do what I can to bring Moshiach, through my difficulties and even more, using my difficulties as a platform to lift others up.
Yud Shvat is all about solidifying our connection with our Moshe, the Rebbe, and to commit ourselves to the mission he laid out for us. Specifically to use our strengths, talents and situation to accomplish the mission.
You can do it, don’t be afraid, Hashem is with you.
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It would be difficult for people with all their faculties to write so eloquently with so much clarity. How he writes this with just eye movements is beyond me. Maybe he can make a video showing live how he records his thoughts with eye movements.
I had not seen his Torah thoughts in a while and I’m glad that he’s still writing and sharing his strength and wisdom with us. Chazak!
If you live in CH you can get the Crown Edition magazine where he writes weekly.
Wow, this article is just what I needed to hear today.
Thank you Rabbi Yitzi for the inspiration. Hashem should bless you and your family with only reasons to laugh and smile
Thank you
Thank you Rabbi Yitzi. Your words inspire me to work harder and be a better Jew.
David Roth