Spirituality TORAH PORTION $ 'Armed' By Our Ancestors 64999 Reg. $799.99 Limited Time Offer Hurry! Offer ends February 15th 2009 Shabbat Shira (Parashat Beshallach): Exodus 13:17-17:16; Judges 4:4-5:3. 0% APR FINANCING until July'09 with your Sears card* - "Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines ... for God said, "The people may have a change of heart when they see war, and return to Egypt." So God led the people round about, by way of the wilderness at the Sea of Reeds. Now the Israelites went up armed out of the land of Egypt. And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph ..." (Exodus 13:17-19). I have always been fasci- to the next verse. nated by the image of "Whatever they needed" our ancestors leaving was symbolized by the Egypt. Hundreds of thou- bones of Joseph, which sands of former slaves, now Moses insists on carrying free — having witnessed with him. And not just the Moses and Aaron confront- physical remains of the last ing the Pharaoh, plagues link between the genera- and destruction. tion of the patriarchs and We are told that they left matriarchs and their newly Rabbi Norman in the middle of the night freed descendants — but T. Roman — and whether our own the legacy and the inspira- Special to the mental image of the Exodus tion of Israelite history that Jewish News comes from the classic provided "whatever they Midrash commentaries or needed." the portrayals on screen directed by There is a play-on-words here in Cecil B. DeMille or Steven Spielberg the Hebrew, as well. It was not just — the picture is a momentous one. It Joseph's bones (atzamot) that were would be a journey filled with danger a source of strength and continuity as well as miracle and challenge. I won- for our ancestors, but his "essence" der still: How did they prepare for this (atzmiyut). We are better prepared for "round about:' uncertain experience? the round-about journeys and chal- The Torah states that they were lenges of life when we let the essence "armed" (chamushim). What can this of our people and community, our mean? They couldn't have possessed Jewish history, faith and values "arm" weapons; they were slaves. God leads us with confidence and courage. them away from battle because they May this Shabbat, especially, filled weren't ready, and the Israelites certain- with the words and songs of miracles, ly didn't seem to be militarily strong victories, and heroism, remind us of when they were confronted by the that which we always carry with us: Egyptian army at the shores of the sea. the stories and images of how those Rashi and several other teachers tell who gave us life and freedom are car- us that "armed" simply means that the ried with us into the future. people had "whatever they needed!' It wasn't much, in the sense of provi- Norman Roman is rabbi of Temple Kol Ami, sions to carry. They left in a hurry; God West Bloomfield. provided later so much of what would be needed for physical survival: manna Conversations from the skies and water from the rock. What represents the "bones" of Some interpreters insist that your ancestors that you carry armed" still had a logistical or admin- with you from place to place istrative tone: Only 1/5 of the Israelites or generation to generation? survived the first hours of the march What is your favorite song from or that they walked in an orderly pro- Jewish tradition? Can you sing cession of groups of five (or 50). But I it with different melodies or in prefer to return to the idea that "they different languages? Do you feel had whatever they needed" is, as many that your Jewish identity "arms" of my teachers have written, connected you for the journey ahead? 1** See below for finance details When it comes to independent living, there's no place like home. And there's nothing like Pride° Lift Chairs to give you the easy mobility and comfort you've been looking for at a great price. -Easy single switch-control -One year in-home warranty -Emergency battery back-up -Patented, quiet and smooth lift system -Available in several beautiful fabrics and patterns Home Health Care Sears Home Health Care has the home health solutions you can rely on for every need or budget including scooters, wheel chairs, stair lifts or even a simple brace or grab bar. Come in and check out the conveniences and values today. 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