This evening marks the 7th day of Pesach.
This day coincides with the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea, the crossing from slavery to freedom and complete victory over our enemies.
What a moment of pure joy and elation it must have been for the ancient Israelites to look back on their cruel and powerful enemies washed ashore as they stood on solid dry ground on the other side of the sea.
However, just a short time earlier, they stood on the opposite side, in the land of their captivity fleeing for their lives with the Egyptians hot on their trail. When they reached the shores of the Red Sea, they were desperate and afraid, not knowing how they would get over.
I call this a Red Sea moment. A time of great trouble, fear, distress and uncertainty - when our troubles seem so insurmountable that we can’t see a way out.
This passage reminds me of my own personal struggles - coming to America to help downsize my mother’s home; having my music career put on hold due to pandemic, family illness and now war - as well as the perilous state of the State of Israel right now: the October 7th massacre, the rise of terrorism, the seemingly endless Israel-Gaza war and the lack of progress to free the hostages…. Similar struggles are faced in other war torn parts of the world like Nigeria, Sudan, Congo and Ethiopia.
…All are Red Sea moments. May Almighty Yah help us!
Thankfully, these testimonies of the Exodus are here remind us that it’s in these times - when we are completely outnumbered, overpowered, back up against the wall and the way ahead is dark, unclear, seemingly impossible - that the Elohim of Creation is able and willing to show His power and deliver us from any and every enemy.
Each year, we relive the exodus in order to remember these crucial lessons and help us navigate our current realities.
For the ancient Israelites fleeing captivity, it was the assurance of their fearless leader Moshe, that gave them the strength, faith and confidence to press on:
- “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of YHWH, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. YHWH will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14 New King James Version (NKJV)
We don't have a Moshe right now, but we do have these testimonies which remind us that:
- We are not alone
- We - with our weak and limited abilities - are not left to fight our own battles. But rather, we have an Elohim who will fight for us if we allow Him to.
- Elohim is all powerful and able to defeat any enemies or army
- Elohim will protect those who love Him and keep His commands
- When Israelites decided to trust (batach) in and follow Elohim, it unlocked His salvitic power and promise, and it can do the same for us both personally and collectively.
In close, for those who keep His ways, we can be encouraged that He will work His great miracles and wonders (mofote gedolote) - split the Red Seas of life - for us too.
As we sing the Hallel, we can even rejoice about what Yah has done and what He will do, knowing that:
- ‘Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “YHWH’s right hand has done mighty things! YHWH’s right hand is lifted high; YHWH’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what YHWH has done.’ Ps. 118:15-17
I pray this reflection inspires you to examine your Red Sea moments and trust Yah to bring you and us through.
Yah bless and Chag Sameach!!!
Makedah
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Here are Tehillim traditionally sang during Pesach/Yom Tov:
- The Hallel: Ps. 113-118
- Shirim ha Ma’alot: Ps. 120-134
- Hallel ha Gadol: Ps. 135-136
- Psalms 105-106
Also see Psalms 77-81 for more about the Exodus story.
Articles about the 7th Day of Passover:
- https://livekabbalah.org/the-seventh-day-of-passover/
- https://www.kabbalah.com/en/events/7th-day-west-coast-broadcast-2024-1712761352433077/stream/
- https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/151040/jewish/The-Seventh-Day-of-Pesach-The-Splitting-of-the-Sea.htm
- https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/festivals/pesach/7th-day-pesach-crossing-the-red-sea/
- https://velveteenrabbi.blogs.com/blog/2016/04/an-impromptu-seder-for-the-seventh-day.html
- https://armstronginstitute.org/339-where-did-the-red-sea-crossing-take-place
Interfaith articles about the 7th Day: