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The midrash tells us that even as the Egyptian troops were bearing down on our ancestors, the sea wouldn’t part until the people demonstrated sufficient faith. Instead of demonstrating faith, however, we find the tribes complaining bitterly to Moses “Why did you bring us out here to perish in the wilderness?” At this point, Nachshon of the tribe of Judah steps forward, the real hero of this chapter. Picture the scene. Nachshon jumps in up to his ankles, then his knees…nothing happens. The water is now up to his waist, now his chest. For an instant Nachshon might be thinking, “Maybe we should go back to Egypt.”
But, in his heart of hearts, Nachshon knows that moving back to the comfort zone isn’t an option. He presses forward. The water reaches his neck, it reaches his nostrils and then…finally… the sea parts.
There were plenty of times during our own journey when it may have seemed more sensible to return to the comfort zone, to give up on the promised land. But we persevered, with different groups and individuals among us taking on the role of Nachshon and pressing forward. We owe an enormous debt to our “Nachshons” as we enter our new home singing “Sh’hechiyanu.”
But we also need to have the patience that our forbears didn’t have. When we discover that this outlet doesn’t work, or that sink isn’t draining properly, or the heat isn’t functioning, or there’s not enough space in the sanctuary or the kitchen, let’s remember our ancestors, keep the faith, and be filled with gratitude. (Or let’s raise the money for our new building!)
A postscript on the dreadful cartoon fiasco: When things get so far out of control, it’s necessary to go back to basics. One of these basics – which both Muslims and Jews need to see – is the Islamic “hadith,” (comparable to our midrash) that reads as follows:
"A funeral procession passed us and the Prophet stood up for it. We said, ‘but Prophet of God, this is a funeral of a Jew.’ The Prophet responded, ‘rise.’ ”
B’Shalom,
Jim
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