The Leap of Faith

As the entire Jewish nation stood in front of the Red Sea they are confronted by a terrifying dilemma; whether to take a leap of faith into the Red Sea, or return to Egypt. As the Jews were leaving Egypt they had to leave their comfort zone and go after Hashem. Nachshon, from the tribe of Yehudah, was the first person to take that leap of faith and jump into the Red Sea. He had the courage to leave all his baggage behind and take a closer step towards freedom. As he moved deeper into the water he started realizing that life was about leaving their old life and moving forward. The water eventually reached his nostrils and at that moment the Red Sea split. As the Jews were walking on the dry land they had feeling of regret. They felt guilty for not having the courage to do what Nachshon did.

When Nachshon was walking through the Sea he felt alive and free. He left his baggage of slavery behind and now he was liberated. He had the courage to leave a bad situation and follow Hashem with full Emunah.

Everyday we face our own challenges and there come certain moments where we must ask ourselves the question of whether we should take a leap of faith or remain in our comfort zone. The only constant in this world is change. Oh, the irony; it is true once you think about it. Without change, we are not growing, we are not living, but it happens all around us every day. Therefore, we should take the leap of faith every once in a while. You may not know what will come ahead, but Hashem always has a plan so that every outcome has a purpose. This applies to the little challenges in our lives as well. In fact, the lesson to be learned here is not just about taking a leap of faith and trusting Hashem, but also being able and strong enough to remove yourself from your comfort zone in order to each greater things.

When Hashem took the Jews out of Egypt, He told them to go along the longest path out of Egypt, fearing that the journey might make the Jews feel like they want to go back to Egypt and stay there. This is because, after 210 years of slavery, the life as a slave started becoming their norm and something they were comfortable with. This is what challenged them when they stood in front of the Red Sea. Thinking everything will be ok if they just go back to the life they have been living all of this time. While facing our own challenges, we should remind ourselves that although our comfort zone is nice, we should step out of it every once in a while, especially when it come to a problem that we would like to procrastinate. If you stay in your comfort zone too long, the best option to solve your problem may be gone. All you have to do is follow these three simple steps: 1) Remind yourself that change is ok; 2) step out of your comfort zone; 3) and finally, just go for it, jump into that Sea.

Shabbat Shalom,

Shani Hebron