| * | Shemot / "Summary: The Israelites have finally left Egypt. God does not lead the Israelites along the closest route to the Land of Israel, which is through territory occupied by the Philistines. Rather, the people are led in the direction of the Yam Suf - the Sea of Reeds. One final time, God hardens Pharaoh's heart, and Pharaoh decides to chase after the Israelites with his army. The Egyptian army catches up with the Israelites as they camp by the edge of the sea. Dramatically, the Israelites are caught between the sea on one side, and Pharaoh's chariots on the other. Moses reassures the people that they only have to trust God, and, as he raises his staff, God parts the waters, and the Israelites are able to cross in safety. The Egyptians chase after them into the parted waters of the sea, but are drowned as the waters return to their natural state. Moses and Miriam lead the people in the ""Song of the Sea,"" a spontaneous song of exaltation and thanksgiving. Faced with the new reality of survival in the wilderness, the people begin to complain almost right away. Principal concerns include water and food. God promises that if the people follow the commandments, God will always provide and care for them. God provides fresh water at Marah, and again later at Horeb, and then provides the people with Manna, the miraculous food that will sustain them throughout their years of wandering. Also, through the detailed instructions about the Manna, the notion of Shabbat is introduced. The Parasha ends with the Amalekites' surprise attack. This is the Israelites first experience with war." |