• FURNITURE OUTLET A Miraculous Rescue Begins A Long Journey DR. RICHARD C. HERTZ SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS haraoh was under the im- pression the Israelites were going only for a three days journey into the wilderness for the purpose of of- fering sacrifices when he finally let them go. When the Egyptian officers he had dispatched to bring them back discovered what had hap- pened, the Israelites realized they had no alternative but to flee further into the desert and across the Red Sea. But how? The Egyptians felt that to be smitten with the 10 plagues and be compelled to let their slaves depart with some of their riches was more than they could en- dure. The text of this week's sedrah tells of the miraculous rescue. After several days, during which Pharaoh recovered from his panic over the loss of so many thousands of his slaves and laborers, he realized what he had lost. No sooner had the Israelites left Egypt than Pharaoh and his court regretted the act of emancipation. Quick- ly they marshalled the cavalry and chariots. The Midrash tells how the Is- raelites were distracted by fear and demoralized by divided coun- cils . One group in desperation said, "Let us cast ourselves into the sea" Another group said, "Let us go back to Egypt and submit to slavery." Still other groups were in favor of giving battle to the end. But Moses said to the people, "Fear ye not! Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." (Exodus 14:13.) The Torah says, "I will hard- en the hearts of the Egyptians and they shall go in after them and I will get Me honor upon Pharaoh and upon all his hosts, his chariots and upon his horse- men and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." (Exo- dus 14:13) The Torah goes on to say that a pillar of cloud stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians so the latter could.not see the former slaves whom they were pursuing. Then, miraculously, God caused the sea to go back with a strong east wind. The wa- ters were divided so that the children of Israel could go through. When the waters sub- sided, the Egyptians who had been pursuing went in after p low Overhead No Fancy Showroom Because of this we are able to offer our quality •merchandise directly to the consumer and pass the savings of up to 60% to You! • BEDROOM SETS • DINING TABLES • ENTERIAINMENT CENTERS • COCKTAIL, SOFA, Bo TABLES Laminate Furniture -Choose From 100's of Colors—Goss, Matte & Textured Choose any size or style to fit your needs. (810) 669-0066 2599 Crumb Rd., Commerce Twp. Mon. Tues. CLOSED, Wed. Sat. 10 5, Sun. 12 4 • 669 0066 - - - FARMINGTON HILLS 30854 Orchard Lake at 14 Mile - - STERLING HEIGHTS 37130 VanDyke at 16 Mile impormillow vigd vstzs,, ri Furniture Comforter Sets Mattresses Blankets Lamps Window Treatments Wallpaper & more . Ragazzi furniture features:•Full size cribs which meet or exceed the Consumer Products Safety Commission Requirements • A 15 year (3 children) Ragazzi Warranty' • High gloss,non-toxic,Lacquer finish that is oven cured to ensure a uniform fini Infant & Teen Furniture •Cribs 'Chests 'Trundle beds •Armoires •Hutches •Bookcases •Desks •Chairs •Night Tables •Mirrors Look for additional grand openings soon in Canton, Troy, Walled Lake and Novi. Dr. Richard C. Hertz is distinguished professor of Jewish studies at University of Detroit-Mercy. them, in the midst of the sea, and all perished. A miraculous rescue! The in- delible impression that this event made on Israel was something never to be forgotten. No matter what the natural explanation for the parting of the waters, the Is- raelites always retold this event as a miracle, this element as an act of God. Now began the long trek that took 38 years to reach the borders of Moab before getting ready to enter Canaan. Moses had no map. The shorter way to Canaan, along the coast, the direct cara- van route, was closed off to them. The Egyptians had fortresses along the way. Shabbat Beshalach: Exodus 13:17 - 17:16 Judges 4:4 - 5:31. Instead of continuing to march northward along the coast of the Mediterranean, they were bid to turn south, keeping the Gulf of Suez on their left and following landmarks that have long since disappeared. The Midrash emphasized the fact that the perishing of the Egyptians marred the complete- ness of Israel's victory. The rab- bis said in the Midrash, "When the Egyptian hosts were drown- ing in the Red Sea, the angels in heaven were about to break into songs of jubilation, but God si- lenced them with the words, 'My creatures are perishing and you are ready to sing!"' Chapter 15 contains a memo- rable song at the Red Sea. It is one of the oldest bits of poetry in all of scripture and contains the poetic fire and vivid imagery of Israel living through the long night of salvation. The poem con- tains a sense of sweeping power, exaltation and gratitude and had a strong impact on the people of Israel. With the song ringing in his ears, Moses was overcome with emotion. Yet, he did not know that he was just at the beginning of a very long journey. The real task of converting slaves into peo- ple of God was still ahead. A peo- ple trained for generations in bondage could not cast off in- stantly the effects of that train- ing. The desert became the training ground and the next 40 years were to show the genius of the leadership of Moses. El