01/02/2026
Parashat Beshalach is filled with divine miracles. The Israelites, newly freed from slavery, find themselves trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army. With no way forward, they cry out in fear. God commands Moses to raise his staff, and the sea miraculously splits, allowing the Israelites to cross before crashing down upon their oppressors. In awe and gratitude, Moses and the people sing a song of praise, recognizing God’s hand in their redemption.
As they journey through the desert, they face thirst and hunger, but again, miracles sustain them—bitter waters turn sweet, water flows from a rock, and manna rains from the heavens. Even the battle against Amalek is won not by swords alone but through Moses’ raised hands in prayer, showing that true strength comes from faith and divine intervention.
We have lived through a time when we, too, were desperate for miracles, and this week that prayer found its final, bittersweet answer. With the return of Ran Gvili—the last hostage to be brought home to Israel—a long and agonizing chapter has finally closed. Ran, a hero who rushed into battle to save others on October 7th, was the "first one in and the last one out."
Just as the Israelites carried the bones of Joseph out of Egypt to their final resting place, we have fulfilled our sacred vow to bring every single one of our brothers and sisters home. We pray that the return of Ran and all the hostages brings a measure of peace to their families and a beginning of true healing for our entire nation. May the miracles of our past give us the strength to build a future of redemption, and may we finally find the comfort and unity we have sought for so long.
