At the Brink

In today’s turbulent times, we all face a sea of problems.

Surging waves of global terrorism threaten the world’s stability and future. Riots, attacks and bombings in distant countries ripple and reverberate everywhere. In our shrinking world, they might as well be right across the street.

Reckless tyrants play atomic games, and openly declare Israel and Jews as their primary target. Even our great country that stretches from sea to shining sea is on edge, seeking homeland security amid pressures from within and without.

We are no strangers to existential challenges. As we celebrate our Exodus from Egypt on Passover, we recall those frightening moments before G-d instructed Moses to raise his staff and split the sea. We were isolated, trapped and cornered by an armed enemy in hot pursuit from behind, a deadly desert on the sides, and a raging sea right ahead.

Today, we are not waving a Divine staff. Indeed, Judaism teaches us not to rely on miracles, but to do everything physically possible to defend and protect ourself. Only when we do our share, does G-d do His part that we succeed in our efforts.

Seaing is believing!
The crossing of the Red Sea was a historic breakthrough, and Moses showed the way: The impossible and seemingly improbable can happen even when all seems impassable. The Red Sea crossing demonstrated that even a vast ocean will not stop us from continuing and going forward toward our Jewish destiny.

In the awesome events leading up to the Six Day War, a French observer remarked, “It’s only natural for Israel to be saved by a miracle. It would surely be a miracle if Israel prevails in a natural way.”

Even as political changes, harsh realities, predicaments and dilemmas close in on Israel and indeed, all of civilization, new avenues of salvation and strength open, with G-d’s help.

The waters are not welcoming, but the Red Sea beckons, “Do not drown in despair, we will make way for you. Come forth, children of Israel! You are not just wandering willy-nilly in the Wilderness! You are being guided by Divine instruction toward Sinai, to receive the Torah, the ultimate goal and purpose of Creation. From there you will march on to the Promised Land.”

Obstacles do not interrupt the journey, they are the Jewish journey, and we are here to prove it! The constant challenges are meant to strengthen our faith and resolve.

As the plot thickens and gets more complicated by the day, let’s not lose sight of the vision beyond the current crises, and let us continue to look forward to the brighter future of Moshiach and the Final Redemption.