1.22 From the Narrow Place

Parashat B'shalach
Exodus 13:17-17:16

This is THE WEEK.  This is the first moment of full freedom for the Israelites (who are heading towards becoming a nation).  In this week's Torah portion, the Israelites cross the opened sea and walk from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the wilderness.
You know the scene.  Moses is standing at the shore along with 600,000 Israelites who are in a state of great panic because they know the Egyptian soldiers are chasing after them to bring them back to re-enslave them.  The waters are daunting, terrifying actually. Everyone is wondering how will they cross?  And that's where God comes into the narrative.  Once again, just like a super hero, God swoops in and saves the day.  God tells Moshe to place his staff into the water.   The waters split and create two sturdy walls leaving a clear path to the other side.  All the Israelites have to do is walk across and they will be free.

Egypt, in Hebrew "Mitzrayiim" also means "the narrow place".  The Israelites are leaving the narrow life of slavery.  A life that is very constrictive emotionally, physically and intellectually.  Their existence has been controlled, dictated by Pharoah and pre-determined for over 10 generations.  And now, all they need to do is walk across and be free.  

Of course it isn't that simple.

In fact it's the opposite.  The mind, body and soul have to be completely retrained and reprogrammed.

In order for full freedom to be achieved the Israelites must leave the narrow place and enter into the expansiveness of the wilderness.  The narrow place is restrictive but it is known, it's safe and reliable.  The wilderness is the opposite.  Freedom is wild, unchartered territory.  It is totally unknown and filled with all kinds of possibilities and outcomes.  Freedom requires risk and failure.  Freedom includes being vulnerable.  In order to be fully free, one has to unpack the narrow place and leave it completely.

The Israelites are human and full freedom is not achieved quickly.  It's a very long process and a deep struggle. 

Their story is a metaphor for all of us.  We read this portion now but Passover isn't for another three months.  Many wonder why the reading of the portion isn't aligned with when the holiday falls.  I believe this is because we need time to prepare to celebrate freedom.  We need to unpack our own personal narrow places and make our way to the wilderness, the expansiveness of freedom.  A true celebration of freedom for our people and for ourselves, can only happen when we are willing to face our limitations and our personal constrictions.  

We have three months to examine where we are narrow in mind, body and soul.  This examination can enable us to embrace the freedom and wilderness that lies ahead.  This examination can provide the opportunity for growth and change.  It can open up an array of possibilities and leave us with a sense of purpose and meaning.

It's up to us.  It's in our hands.  What will we choose?  Will we remain safe and protected in our narrowness?  Will we take the risks required in achieving freedom?

Mekor Ha'Chayiim, Source of Life, as we move into Shabbat, may we be nourished by our inner strength.  May we use this strength to face our narrow places thus allowing us to move into the opportunities that being free can offer.

Shabbat shalom,
Laurie