בס”ד
Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Torah, extracting profound insights and lessons that resonate with our modern lives. The joy lies in the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a Torah verse or story suddenly connects with our personal challenges, aspirations, and values. And when we engage in conversations about Torah with others, it becomes an interactive exploration, where diverse perspectives and interpretations enhance our understanding. These dialogues often spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. Torah becomes a vibrant and dynamic part of our lives, offering not just guidance but also a source of endless fascination, connection, and growth.
NOTE: Don’t feel obligated to go through every source or answer all the questions—unless you want to. Even one source, or one question will give you plenty of material for discussion and meditation. Enjoy this!
Some thoughts on the Mo’ed
When the Israelites stood trapped between the sea ahead and the Egyptian army behind, they cried out to G-d in fear. But G-d’s response to Moses was surprising: “Why do you cry out to Me? Tell the Children of Israel to go forward.” (Exodus 14:15)
At first glance, this seems absurd. How could they move forward when an ocean blocked their path? But G-d’s message holds a timeless truth: there are moments when prayer alone is not enough—when faith must be expressed through courageous action.
This doesn’t diminish the power of prayer. Instead, it teaches us that sometimes, the greatest form of prayer is movement, even when the path is unclear. The Israelites had to step into the water before the sea split. Their action, rooted in trust, opened the way for a miracle.
For Noahides, this story offers a profound life lesson: there are moments when you may feel trapped—hemmed in by fear, doubt, or impossible circumstances. In those moments, don’t wait passively. Take a step forward. Do the next right thing. That step, no matter how small, can be a form of prayer that shakes the heavens.
Faith is not always about waiting; sometimes it’s about walking forward into uncertainty, trusting that G-d will meet you on the path.
Now, reflect on the following questions:
- Can you recall a time in your life when you had to act even though the way forward was unclear? What happened when you did?
- What do you think it means to turn action into a form of prayer?
- Why might G-d tell us to “go forward” rather than “wait for a sign”?
- In what areas of your life do you feel stuck between the “sea” and the “Egyptians”? What could “stepping forward” look like for you?
- How does courage rooted in faith differ from reckless action or panic?
May we all find the strength to move forward when the path is unclear, and may our steps be answered with opened seas.
Shabbat Shalom!
By Rabbi Tani Burton
If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI TANI BURTON ABOUT DE PARSHAT QUESTIONS
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.
Our blogs may contain text/quotes/references/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.org, and/or AskNoah.org, which we use in accordance with their policies.
