New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Trying to find our way out of virus crisis
Ever feel trapped, stuck, unable to either move forward or go back?
The ancient Hebrews were trapped on the shore of the Sea of Reeds after leaving bondage in Egypt. Pharaoh King of Egypt, having changed his mind, sent his chariots and horsemen to capture or kill the fleeing former slaves. With the warning blasts of the shofar ringing in their ears, the hoofbeats of the approaching army growing louder and instilling terror, and the impassable sea before him, Moses the leader called out to God for help. As if the situation were not dire enough, one fellow, Nahshon, decided he could not wait and jumped into the water — but he could not swim.
So now on top of everything, some poor guy was drowning. Moses cried out louder for help. Finally, God responded, “What are you shouting at Me for? Look, Nahshon is drowning.” Moses extended his staff to rescue Nahshon. The moment his staff touched the water, the sea parted and the people passed through to safety.
Sometimes we feel stuck or doomed, with nowhere to go, no path forward, and we feel too small and powerless to address the big problems around us or even our own. But when we reach out, extend ourselves or our hand, even to help just one person such as Nahshon, that can miraculously open up a path to move forward.
Jumping into the water wasn’t necessarily the smartest thing to do. And there were bigger problems than this individual drowning man; the survival of the Jewish nation was at stake. Nevertheless, Moses helped him because he had the power to and because it was the right thing to do. In doing so, he brought salvation to his people.
At the end of May, the Jewish People in Israel and around the world will observe the festival of Shavuot, celebrating the event at Sinai, where we formed a covenant and were given the opportunity to build a nation based on law and principle, applying the lessons of our traumatic past to envision a better future. The giving of that opportunity was more than 3,300 years ago, but the accepting of it happens right now. Whether the Torah of Moses or some other wise or inspired guide, each person can be part of a project that has meaning and gives direction, and thereby have reason to look forward with hope.
It is impossible to foresee the ultimate consequences of our deeds. When we help someone acquire food or medicine, encourage them to follow public health protocol, keep them connected to friends and community, when we help others make it through a very difficult or seemingly hopeless time, and when we avoid harming or exploiting others even though it seems we can do so with impunity, when we are patient and forbearing, we can assume that such behaviour may open a path to a better future. It cannot be proven scientifically; it is a matter of faith.