My favorite line from the Passover story is one that is met with little fanfare. We cannot find it in the Haggadah and it receives minimal attention each year when its parashah arrives.
When Moses, leading the Israelites out of Egypt, finds himself facing the Sea of Reeds with Pharaoh’s army bearing down upon Israel, he cries out to God for help. God’s reply is simply astonishing: “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to get going!” (Exodus 14:15).
God’s reply challenges Moses to stop worrying and start moving by taking that first step into the unknown. Without those first steps, redemption remains firmly out of reach. God’s directive to Moses emphasizes the need for human initiative to achieve Divine goals. It teaches us that we must be proactive; that we must take the first step even when the odds seem impossible to overcome.
Miracles begin with us. They require us to have courage to move forward, regardless of the obstacles in our way. And, like Moses and the Israelites, we too have been called to march forth into a sea of dangers; to face the daunting challenges arrayed before our families, our nation, and our people with boldness and faith. In doing so, we pray that we, too, may become participants in the miraculous; collaborating with the Divine to bring about peace, love, and prosperity for all.
Moadim L’Simcha—May this season bring you joy.
—Rabbi Josh Knobel