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Dvar for Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16)

SP
Short, practical, relevant Weekly Dvar
Thu, Jan 21, 2016 4:21 PM

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After the sea was split in our Parsha, Beshalach, the Torah says (14:31),
"And they believed in G-d and His servant Moshe." As Rav Aron Tendler
wonders, what exactly did they believe in?  It can not mean that they
believed in the existence of G-d and Moshe, because they saw G-d, and new
that Moshe existed. If you know something, it's fact, not belief, so what
is the Passuk (verse) referring to  by using the word "believed"?

Rav Tendler explains that following the splitting of the sea, the Jews
understood far more than the obvious reality of G-d's power and majesty.
They understood that they had been chosen to the exclusion of the rest of
the Egyptians, and the rest of the world. They also understood that being
chosen meant that they had a mission to accomplish. Therefore, their stated
belief was not for that which they had already experienced or witnessed,
but with accepting their station and  responsibilities as the world's
designated teachers. As Jews we need to ensure that all our actions reflect
the dignity, honor and responsibility we were given.

Shlomo Ressler


Quotation of the Week:
"What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family." -
Mother Teresa

This Lelamed Dvar is also available in your local App Store (iTunes and Android). Please enjoy, and share responsibly... _______________________________________________ After the sea was split in our Parsha, Beshalach, the Torah says (14:31), "And they believed in G-d and His servant Moshe." As Rav Aron Tendler wonders, what exactly did they believe in? It can not mean that they believed in the existence of G-d and Moshe, because they saw G-d, and new that Moshe existed. If you know something, it's fact, not belief, so what is the Passuk (verse) referring to by using the word "believed"? Rav Tendler explains that following the splitting of the sea, the Jews understood far more than the obvious reality of G-d's power and majesty. They understood that they had been chosen to the exclusion of the rest of the Egyptians, and the rest of the world. They also understood that being chosen meant that they had a mission to accomplish. Therefore, their stated belief was not for that which they had already experienced or witnessed, but with accepting their station and responsibilities as the world's designated teachers. As Jews we need to ensure that all our actions reflect the dignity, honor and responsibility we were given. Shlomo Ressler _______________________________________________ Quotation of the Week: "What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family." - Mother Teresa