Last Thursday was the 7th day of Pesach. Here is a little learning that will still be timely SEVENTH DAY OF PESACHAS HEARD FROM RABBI AVIGDOR MILLER ZT'L The Song of the Sea is read from the Torah every year when the weekly Perashah is read, and it is read on the seventh day of Pesach, and it is recited daily in our prayers; and so it shall be until forever. The spectacle of the splitting of the Sea of Suf gave an impetus to Israel and causes them to go forward until the end of time. The episode of the splitting of the Sea of Suf afforded one of the most stupendous spectacles in history. The mighty waters which Israel had feared more than they feared Pharaoh, now parted and piled up to shield them like crystal walls on both sides of the uncovered sea-bottom; and Israel, protected by the walls of water against the darts and javelins of Egypt, marched across on the dry path. It was a never to be forgotten day of G-d. All of Nature was in turmoil because its Master was marching with his children.The pillar of cloud which preceded them now moved back to intervene between Israel and Egypt. At the end of the night, fire and cloud descended upon the pursuing army which was now in the middle of the sea-road, whereas Israel had gained the opposite shore. The chariot wheels of Egypt burned off. Now they exhorted each other to flee for their lives, for they saw that G-d was fighting against them for Israel; but it was too late. The trap was sprung; G-d bade Moses stretch out his arm to send the mighty walls toppling down upon the pursuers, who sank to the bottom like lead, while Israel stood on the shore electrified by the spectacle. The sea which had threatened Israel with a worse fate then Pharaoh's wrath, had rescued them from their enemy; and it now washed up on the shore a huge wealth of booty. " Then would sing Moshe and Bnei Yisrael". (15:1) Did the Jews rejoice at the destruction of the Egyptians? Hashem does not rejoice at the destruction of any of His creatures, and it is stated that Hashem did not permit the angels to sing at the drowning of Paro's host (Megilah 10B). But here we see that Moshe and the Bnei Yisrael sang, and even rejoiced in every detail of the destruction of their enemy. We understand there from that men, unlike angels, must utilize such opportunities to gain more Awareness of Hashem, and more Gratitude to Him. Angels cannot make any progress, but Moshe and Yisrael can gain understanding of Hashem and thereby improve themselves greatly. And that is our function in this life, to improve ourselves. Not only did Hashem rescue Israel, but He also granted them the exultation of seeing the destruction of their pursuers, while standing safely on the shore.When we see the downfall of the wicked, we gain more Awareness of Hashem's power and His kindliness:" Be elevated, O Judge of the world! Turn back recompense (revenge) upon the arrogant" (Tehillim 94:2). Quoted from "Behold A People" & "A Nation Is Born" by R' Miller ZT'L |