As the seventh day of Pesach approaches, an ancient moment of deliverance meets a modern moment of uncertainty.

Seven Days to the Sea

According to Jewish tradition, the Israelites left Egypt on the 15th of Nisan (a date that corresponds this year to April 2), the first day of Pesach. Their departure was sudden and breathless; the kind of moment when history pivots sharply and the future is still unformed. They marched into the wilderness with no weapons, no strategy, and no experience as a free nation. What they did have was momentum, and a promise.

Behind them, Pharaoh’s resolve hardened once more. His army, the most formidable force of its time, began its pursuit. The Torah captures the rising fear with stark simplicity: And the children of Israel lifted their eyes and behold; Egypt was marching after them, and they were very frightened – Exodus 14:10. The desert ahead offered no clear path; the threat behind grew closer each day. By the sixth day, the chariots were visible on the horizon.

By the time the Israelites reached the Sea of Reeds on the........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)