I just returned from a weeklong retreat with the board of the National Association for Temple Administration (NATA). NATA takes me to some pretty incredible locations including this past week. I got to travel to sunny, beautiful… Minnesota. Yes, I got to travel to one of the coldest places in the continental U.S. in the middle of January. Crazy enough, it was warmer there than here in the Chicago area. I have started driving to the “closer” locations. It gives me a chance to experience traveling differently and to be with my own thoughts. One of this week’s thoughts was about the Israelites fleeing Egypt and the start of their decades-long journey in the wilderness.
In Parashat B’Shalach, the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt transforms from a moment of triumph to a challenging journey of survival and faith. Much like a modern road trip, their wilderness experience is marked by excitement, unexpected challenges, and frequent complaining.
Just as travelers today might pack snacks and plan routes, the Israelites left Egypt with provisions and a sense of anticipation. However, the reality of their journey quickly set in. Three days into their travels, they found themselves without water, much like road-trippers running low on gas in a remote area. At Marah, they encountered bitter waters, mirroring the frustration of finding a closed rest stop or a broken-down vehicle.
Their complaints become a recurring theme. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt?” they cry to Moses, echoing the classic road trip refrain of “Are we there yet?” and “I’m tired/hungry/uncomfortable.” This mirrors how even the most anticipated journeys can quickly become taxing. The Israelites’ longing for the familiar, even the slavery of Egypt, reflects how travelers sometimes romanticize home when faced with difficult conditions.
God’s responses are instructive. At Marah, He shows Moses a piece of wood to sweeten the water – a metaphor for finding solutions and maintaining perspective during challenging moments. The provision of manna demonstrates that sustenance often comes in unexpected ways, just as unexpected kindnesses can transform a difficult journey.
The lesson is profound. Journeys, whether literal or spiritual, are not just about the destination, but about growth, faith, and learning to trust beyond immediate discomfort. Just as roadtrippers must adapt to unexpected detours and challenges, the Israelites learn to navigate uncertainty with faith and resilience.
Ultimately, B’shalach teaches us that every journey involves struggle, but those struggles can be transformative if we approach them with patience, adaptability, and trust in a broader purpose.
Shabbat Shalom,
Danny Glassman