As the Israelites stood on the shore of the Sea of Reeds and realized they had escaped safely from the grip of the Pharaoh and his soldiers they were filled with happiness, joy, relief, amazement, and gratitude. Their feelings are expressed in Shirat HaYam – the Song of the Sea that begins chapter 15 of the Book of Exodus. The singing and dancing that resulted grew from intense feelings that could not easily be expressed in words.
Yet, once the intense joy dissipated and their “new reality” set in, the Israelites returned to the fears that they had expressed as they stood on the Egyptian side of the sea. After years of plodding along dong what they were told and having their basic needs met in return, they were likely scared, unsure of what to do next, and not ready to see anything positive. They had no clear road map or manual. Their miraculous escape was gone from their minds. Not ready to take responsibility for their future, they immediately sought someone or something to blame for their circumstances. Complaining to Moses began, and, as we know, continued for many years to come.
Change is an inevitable part of life. While it is never easy, some people seem able to move through change with relative ease and grace, while others struggle, complain, and blame. Perhaps for the Israelites, and for us, it is all a question of one’s life perspective.
We can choose to be mired in fear of the unfamiliar path ahead or face it with eager and positive anticipation. We can choose to blame others for the disruption of past routines or take ownership and pride in being willing to recognize the difficulties that surround where we are. Then, with careful consideration of options before us, we can choose a path ahead that, while far from certain, offers a strong probability of a better future.
Even as we step forward we can, like our ancestors, find every reason to complain. Or, we can patiently work through our difficulties and continue to move forward, eyes open to new possibilities and with the conviction of actualizing our mission in ways that perhaps lie around the next bend in the road.
May we move through each day with eyes that see the opportunities that lie ahead if we are willing to walk forward.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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