Beshalach 5771

Beshalach means "sent away." In this week's parsha, Pharaoh finally sends away the Israelites from Egypt. The opening of the parsha reads: "When Pharaoh sent away the people, G-d did not lead them through the land of the Philistines…This is because G-d said, 'When the people see a war, they may regret [leaving] and return to Egypt.' G-d turned the people [in the opposite direction] toward the desert [and] the Sea of Reeds."

Why does Moshe (Moses) lead the Israelites on a roundabout route, and not directly to the Land of Israel?

No, the answer is not because Moshe refuses to ask for directions. And no, it is not because Moshe does not have GPS! All joking aside, Moshe knows that if he simply heads north and takes a direct route, within a few days he will arrive in the Promised Land. However, he is also aware that this shortcut will take him and the Israelites directly though enemy territory. He understands that the Israelites are weary and dispirited from their years of slavery in Egypt. He fears that if the Israelites immediately confront the Philistine army, they will become discouraged and will want to return to Egypt. The Israelites do not yet possess the faith in G-d and in Moshe to face the Philistines. Nor are they in the proper spiritual frame of mind to arrive in the Land of Israel and accept the Torah.

As they wander through the desert, where food, water, and shade are not readily available, the Israelites witness firsthand how G-d makes miracles that enable them to survive. G-d provides manna for them to eat, a well full of water, and a cloud above them that constantly protects them from the elements. They learn that their very existence is in the hands of G-d, for surely without Divine intervention, they would perish.

As parents, we often feel as if we are wandering in the desert, as far away as possible from the Promised Land of well adjusted adult children and wonderful grandchildren. Sadly, there are no shortcuts to reaching this goal. In any worthwhile endeavor we must invest much time and effort. We will doubtless encounter many challenges, hardships and obstacles along the way. Each setback will provide invaluable experience. As long as we face these situations with the faith that G-d will help us overcome them, surely He will.