Beshalach 5774

“Speak to the Children of Israel and let them turn back (v’yashvu) and encamp (v’yachanu) before Pi-hachirot.” (Shemot/Exodus 14:2)

In this week’s Torah portion, Pharaoh finally frees the Israelites from slavery. G-d leads the people through the desert on the way to the Red Sea. He instructs Moshe (Moses) to have them stop at the Egyptian city Pithom, here renamed Pi-hachirot. Explains Rashi based on Mechilta: The chirot are two high upright rocks with a valley between them called pi, mouth. The word chirot is related to chorin, free, so Pi-hachirot is “mouth of the free.”

Above is the literal translation of the verse, according to context. Rabbi Yisrael Bronstein in A Shabbos Vort notes that the Ohev Yisrael finds an alternate translation of the verse that hints at an important lesson. While v’yashvu can be translated as “return” or “turn back” it can also be rendered as “sit.”  In addition to meaning “encamp” v’yachanu can also mean “pause.”  Thus, the Ohev Yisrael’s alternate translation is: “Sit and pause before freeing the mouth.”

As parents, it is critical to hold back before we admonish our children or speak negatively. Too often we express ourselves in the heat of passion, not letting a moment go by before we criticize or discipline. While speaking our mind might bring immediate gratification, we must remember that spoken words can never be retrieved. The sting of hurtful language pervades long after its expression.