Beshalach

Parshat Beshalach tells of one of the most majestic moments in the Bible: the final departure from Egypt and the crossing of the Sea of Reeds. After the tenth plague, Pharaoh finally sends the Israelites out. But he soon regrets it and sends his army after them. Trapped between the sea and the Egyptian army, the Israelites cry out to Moses in despair.

At that moment of supreme faith, G-d splits the sea: the waters stand like walls on either side and the Israelites cross on dry land. When the Egyptians try to follow, the waters return and the army is destroyed.

The parshah includes the beautiful Song of the Sea (Shirat Hayam), sung by Moses and all of Israel in thanksgiving. It also tells of the first challenges in the desert: the lack of fresh water, the manna and the quail, and the attack of Amalek.