Weekly Torah Lesson
Parasha: B’shalach “When he let go”
Torah: Shemot 13:17 – 17:16
There are many descriptions of the harsh weather conditions that prevail in the deserts of the Middle East. When Israel gathered in Ramesis to begin their journey, they were met with a very pleasant surprise. Here is how the Scriptures describe the situation:
21 And Avinu went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. (Shemot 13:21-22)
The “cloud by day” protected them from the harsh desert sun and the “fire by night” provided light and warmth from the cold desert nights. This miracle lasted for fourty years.
“who went in the way before you to search out a place for you to pitch your tents, to show you the way you should go, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day.” (De 1:33)
Israel was enveloped in a “cocoon” of perfect weather conditions for their entire journey.
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