Splitting of the Red Sea
The splitting of the Red Sea is an event described in Exodus 14:1–15:21, in which God miraculously splits the sea, and the Israelites cross through on dry land. When the Egyptians try to follow the Israelites, the sea closes in on them, and they drown.
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Leading the Way into the SeaTALMUD
Leading the Way into the Sea
TALMUD
Nachshon and the tribe of Judah earned the right to govern Israel due to Nachshon's bravery in leading the Israelites into the Red Sea. The talmudic tractate Sotah explains that this courage is reflected in Psalms 114:2–3, which highlights Nachshon's pivotal role and its reward of leadership.
Ten Miracles at the SeaMIDRASH
Ten Miracles at the Sea
MIDRASH
The splitting of the Red Sea is not just a simple division of waters but a series of ten miraculous transformations that underscore the extraordinary nature of this divine intervention. Midrash Tanchuma, a medieval collection of midrash, provides a detailed account of these miracles, emphasizing the significance of the event in Jewish history and tradition.
Miracles in the MundaneTALMUD
Miracles in the Mundane
TALMUD
The miraculous nature of everyday occurrences, like providing sustenance and bodily functions, is compared to supernatural divine interventions, highlighting God's enduring mercy. This talmudic teaching, found in the tractate Pesachim, draws parallels between grand miracles and the challenges of daily life.
The Ripple Effect of the Sea MiracleTANAKH
The Ripple Effect of the Sea Miracle
TANAKH
The miraculous event at the sea was not just a turning point for the Israelites, but it also instilled fear and recognition of divine support among the surrounding nations, as evidenced by Rahab's acknowledgment. The biblical narrative in the book of Joshua highlights how the miraculous events experienced by the Israelites, such as the sea's parting, impacted the inhabitants of Canaan and their perception of the Israelites.
A Miracle of Global ProportionsMIDRASH
A Miracle of Global Proportions
MIDRASH
The miraculous event that led Yitro to join the Israelites was so profound that it was recognized globally, affecting even distant nations. The Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael, an ancient midrash from the land of Israel on the book of Exodus, delves into the worldwide impact of this miracle, emphasizing its significance in the biblical narrative.
Divine Sadness at the Red SeaKABBALAH
Divine Sadness at the Red Sea
KABBALAH
Even the destruction of the wicked brings sadness to the Divine. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, offers a profound reflection on the emotional and moral response of God to the drowning of the Egyptians during the Exodus.
Revealing the Hidden at the Red SeaCHASIDUT
Revealing the Hidden at the Red Sea
CHASIDUT
A mystical interpretation of the splitting of the Red Sea describes a profound spiritual revelation accessible even to the simplest individuals. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, a prominent Chasidic leader, explores the unique arrangement of the Song of the Sea in the Torah scroll, highlighting the revelation of hidden spiritual truths.
Abraham's Covenant and the Splitting of the SeaJEWISH THOUGHT
Abraham's Covenant and the Splitting of the Sea
JEWISH THOUGHT
The miraculous event at the sea demonstrates the Israelites' extraordinary connection with God, enabling them to surpass natural limitations. The Maharal of Prague, a 16th-century Jewish thinker, offers an interpretation of a midrash linking Abraham's covenant to this miraculous event.
A Condition with the OceanMUSAR
A Condition with the Ocean
MUSAR
The miraculous event at the sea was preordained by God as a condition set with the ocean at the time of creation, allowing God to perform miracles by altering natural laws when necessary. Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz, in his 17th-century work Shenei Luchot HaBerit, integrates Kabbalistic concepts with practical Jewish law and ethics to explain this miraculous event.
Nature and MiraclesCHASIDUT
Nature and Miracles
CHASIDUT
Miracles that align with nature, rather than nullify it, are considered greater. Rabbi Shmuel Bornsztain, the second Sochatchover Rebbe, contrasts the splitting of the Red Sea with future miracles where natural elements will act according to God's will without changing their inherent properties.
Remembering the Miracle in Daily PrayerHALAKHAH
Remembering the Miracle in Daily Prayer
HALAKHAH
The miraculous event at the sea is so significant that the sages included a passage discussing it it alongside the daily recitation of the Shema, emphasizing its importance in Jewish prayer and memory. The Tur, a 14th-century legal code, discusses the rules for reciting the Shema and highlights the inclusion of this miracle in the prayer, underscoring the importance of recalling God's wonders.
Joseph's Merit and the Parting of the SeaREFERENCE
Joseph's Merit and the Parting of the Sea
REFERENCE
The miraculous parting of the sea is attributed to the merit of Joseph the righteous, whose coffin caused the sea to flee. Rabbi Hayyim Joseph David Azulai, an 18th-century scholar, draws a fascinating connection between the letters of 'Yam Suf' (Red Sea) and 'MiYosef' (from Joseph).
From Divine Intervention to Human PartnershipCOMMENTARY
From Divine Intervention to Human Partnership
COMMENTARY
The transformation from divine intervention to human partnership in the Exodus narrative highlights the shift from dependency to interdependency between God and humans. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his insightful Torah commentary, explores this transition in the context of the Book of Exodus.
The Song of the SeaCOMMENTARY
The Song of the Sea
COMMENTARY
The timing and structure of Moses' song at the Red Sea reveal deeper insights into the moment of divine deliverance. Jacob ben Asher, a medieval Torah commentator, cites the position of Ramban, who suggests it was composed and sung immediately after the Israelites emerged from the sea bed.
Divine Warfare at the Sea of ReedsCOMMENTARY
Divine Warfare at the Sea of Reeds
COMMENTARY
The crossing of the Sea of Reeds is depicted as a divine battle, showcasing God's direct intervention on behalf of the Israelites. The medieval Torah commentary Da'at Zkenim by the tosafists offers a unique perspective on this miraculous event, interpreting it as an act of divine warfare.
Moses' Plea for Divine InterventionSECOND TEMPLE
Moses' Plea for Divine Intervention
SECOND TEMPLE
Moses's plea to God underscores the human recognition of helplessness and total reliance on divine intervention. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, recounts the miraculous parting of the sea, a pivotal event in Jewish history.
Blessing the Miraculous SitesHALAKHAH
Blessing the Miraculous Sites
HALAKHAH
Reciting blessings at sites of biblical miracles helps us acknowledge and remember God's intervention in Jewish history. The Shulchan Arukh, the authoritative 16th-century code of Jewish law, outlines the specific blessing to be recited when witnessing locations where miracles occurred for Israel.
