As you may remember, I do love watching Jewish & Biblical figures playing top-level football. This is a picture of Moses (Victor Moses, then of Stoke City, now I believe recently moved from Inter to Spartak Moscow on loan from the Stamford Bridge folk). And a QPR player (no idea if any but hardcore R's even remember this chap).
The Torah portion we studied this morning, whose central event is the miracle at the Sea of Reeds, has two images of Moses connected to it that seem quite relevant at the moment. The first comes from midrash - when the Egyptians were about to attack - as R. Adam Greenwald tells it:
"The Israelites gathered at the water's edge, and Moses lifted his hands as God commanded ... and nothing happened. The sea remained still ... then, out of the crowd, walked a solitary figure: Nachshon, the son of Aminadav, stepped into the water. His family and friends looked on with horror and amazement. They cried: "What are you doing? Where are you going?" Nachshon walked forward like a man possessed - up to his knees, his waist, his chest. The second the water came up just over his nostrils, the second when he is fully submerged, at that moment and not a second before, the sea split."
I do think this is important for us to consider in our current turbulent times. Do we stay where we are, paralysed by fear of what may happen? Or can we find the courage not only to take a first step, but to keep going? Nachshon appeared to be bonkers. But he was also brave.
Of course Nachshon, who isn't mentioned at this point of the Torah portion himself, worked alone. There is another perspective presented in the text at the end of the portion: Moses instructs Joshua to lead the Israelites in battle against Amalek. During the fight, Moses plans to be on the top of a hill, holding the staff of God in his hand.
So Joshua went into battle, and Moses went up the hill, accompanied by Aaron & Hur. When Moses' hand was up, Israel prevailed; but when his hand went down, then Amalek was on top. So his companions helped him. First they found a stone upon which he could sit, and then they stood either side of him, supporting his hands so they could remain steady until Joshua had won the battle.
This is what is written in our ancient text. And this is what it taught me today: sometimes we may be Moses, with a difficult task to do; and if possible, it's a pretty good idea to bring back-up with us. And sometimes we may be Aaron or Hur, supporting our friends and helping them through a difficult time.
With thanks to all who support me, and the hope that any support I offer may be helpful.
Shavuatov. Have a good week.
