How do you address your fears? It depends upon the circumstance, of course. Being afraid of the Flying Monkeys in the film The Wizard of Oz is different than fearing ISIS or a police car in your rearview mirror with flashing lights or being audited by the IRS. Fear comes in many different packages; internal and external, familiar and terrifying. Some fears are treatable with counseling and medication. Others may be best attacked by joining a community and gaining the support of friends. No single approach successfully counters every fear.
In this week’s Parsha (Beshalach) the Israelites are between a rock and a hard place. Actually, they are between Pharaoh’s army and the Sea of Reeds (and afterwards a wilderness stretching out toward foreign armed tribes).
If they return to Egypt many of them will be killed and the rest will be enslaved. This fate is well-known, having been endured for 210 years. If they move forward they must ford the Sea and traverse an unknown wilderness; likely bearing many unknown threats. The fear of the unknown may even be more crippling than the fear of slavery and death.
At least four different responses to fear are afforded the Israelites in this parshah.
Moshe reassured the Israelites. He spoke to them and demonstrated that they were not alone, fools or delusional. He expressed human concern.
The Israelites armed themselves. They collectively prepared for the pressing need of self-defense. The community responded together.
G-d is described as going in front of the camp and an angel is described as being behind the camp. It is a powerful expression to assert that God and God’s angel surround you; protecting you at the fore and supporting you if you fall.
Lastly, the Israelites are described as following an alternative route. There is nothing wrong with prudently avoiding a frightening experience.
All of these techniques are familiar. Verbal reassurance, preparedness, faith and avoidance of a frightening experience each have a time and place in our lives. In our own lives may we have the strength to reassure others, to defend ourselves, to work together and to have the faith that God cares for us all. May we all be blessed with Shalom!
Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Steven Silberman
· Guitar Shabbat, tomorrow evening, Jan. 22, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a delicious oneg! Please join us!
· Tu BiShvat Festival including a raffle, cooking demonstration and outside seating for those who do not wish to dig. Also planting a tree and flowers on our campus. Sunday Jan. 24 from9:30-11:30 a.m at Shul. All ages are welcome!
· MAJF Film ‘Deli Man’ Sunday Jan 24 at Shul beginning at 2:00 p.m. followed by a complete kosher hot dog meal (cost included in ticket).
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