BESHALACH 2002

In the Torah portion, Beshalach, we learn how the Jewish people left the Red Sea and traveled three days in the desert, and they did not find water.  They came to Mara and they were not able to drink the water at Mara because they were bitter.  Therefore, they called the place Mara.  The people complained against Moshe and said, "What will we drink?"  And he prayed to G-d, and G-d showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters and the waters became sweetened, and there he established a decree and an ordinance, and there he tested it and he said, "If you will listen to the voice of the Lord, your G-d, and you will do what is upright in His eyes, and you will listen to His commandments, and you will observe all His laws, all the diseases which I have placed against Egypt I will not place upon you because I am G-d Who cures you."  This is a very strange story.  Why does it have to say that G-d gave the Jewish people laws and ordinances, and what is this about not putting upon them all the diseases which He brought against Egypt because He is G-d Who cures?

According to the Baal Shem Tov, it was not the waters that were bitter, but it was the people who were bitter.  He says they were not able to drink from the waters because they were bitter.  We all know that if you do not feel well, everything tastes bad.  That's why everybody complains about hospital food, and in the army everyone complains about the food.  It is not really the food they are worried about, it is about getting killed if you are in the army.  When it says that G-d showed him a tree, an Eitz, it is referring to the Torah.  In fact, the handles of the Torah are called Eitz Chaim, the tree of life.  The Torah allows us to overcome our problems, to not become bitter.  So many people, when they are confronted with problems, become bitter.  They do not become positive.

The rabbis say that the three laws that were given to the Jewish people at this time were the laws of Shabbat, civil laws, and either honoring one's parents or the laws of the red heifer.  We know that even if a person has had hard knocks, that if they celebrate Shabbat with their family, that if they realize that life has its ups and downs, and if they continue to act in a moral fashion, they will be able to overcome everything.  They do not have to become bitter.  We are very proud of those people who when they are confronted with many problems, do not give up but forge ahead, taking care of their family responsibilities, acting in a moral fashion, and still trying to fulfill their ambitions.  It is an important balancing act, but it can be done.  They do not have to wallow in despair.  Why do we bring up Egypt here?  Because Egypt was a land of death.  Everything was devoted to death.  People were overcome basically by despair.  Why achieve anything since we are all going to die?  But G-d says I will cure you from all these diseases which are brought upon you by depression and bitterness.  Just listen to My torah, and you will become sweet and will be able to overcome all your problems.  Let us hope and pray that all of us realize this so we can live productive lives so the Mashiach will come quickly in our day.  Amen.