By Rabbi Judith Beiner, JF&CS Community Chaplain

Miracles figure prominently in the story of Passover. In the book of Exodus, we read about the burning bush, the rods transformed into serpents, the ten plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, the pillars of smoke and fire, manna from heaven, and Moses receiving the law on Mount Sinai. God demonstrates strength and power in the face of the Israelite’s suffering, giving them hope for the future.

One of the miracles is different than the others, in that the Israelites were called upon to be active participants:

Exodus 14:21-22: Then Moses held out his arm over the sea and Adonai drove back the sea with a strong east wind all that night and turned the sea into dry ground. The waters were split, and the Israelites went into the sea on dry ground, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left.

The previous miracles primarily influenced Moses and Paroah. In this moment, at the edge of the sea, God effected a miracle that required the Israelites to immediately act to make it happen. One might think that God did all the heavy lifting (splitting the sea), and the Israelites only had to walk through. There is a famous midrash (Rabbinic commentary on the Torah) that tells the story of Nachshon ben Aminadav. As the Israelites fled from Egypt upon reaching the Red Sea, it did not automatically part before them. They stood at the banks of the sea and cried in despair, but one man, Nachshon, had faith that God would protect him and entered the waters. Once he was up to his nose in the water, the sea parted, and all the Israelites went through.

A miracle can only occur when someone has the courage and the faith to trust that it would. The Israelites crying with despair couldn’t see a way to move forward. They could only see the waters of the sea before them and the approaching Egyptian army from behind.

Nachshon didn’t know the shape of the miracle; he just knew that he had to go forward. He took a leap of faith, likely facing fears and doubts. His courage saved our nation.

A miracle is only possible when we are able to take a step forward. The Israelites were lucky to have Nachshon brave the fear and doubt. We do know those who are the Nachshon’s of our day, but ultimately, we can’t count on someone else to take the first step. That is our task.

Passover is a time of renewal, of Spring, and of hope. This is also a time of fear and uncertainty, at home and around the world. Like Nachshon, we can assume the mantle of responsibility and go forth in spite of fears and hesitations. We don't know where our path will take us, or that God will part the sea before us. We do know that inaction is a path to failure. Like Nachshon, may we have faith that we will take the right path, face our fears and doubts with courage, and step into the turbulent waters. And who knows, perhaps miracles are just around the corner.