Drash on B’shalach 2025

Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein

Emanuel Synagogue

When our ancestors stood at the shores of the Red Sea, they faced a deeply contentious dilemma. The Egyptian army was pursuing them, and the seemingly impassable sea stretched before them. They were struck by fear and uncertainty, and they cried out to Moses for guidance.

In Midrash Shemot Rabbah, we learn of a man called Nachshon ben Aminadav, who stepped forward, took decisive action and demonstrated exceptional faith in the mission. While others hesitated, discussing what to do next and turning their thoughts to fear, Nachshon walked into the sea. He waded further and further until the waters reached his neck. Only then, when Nachshon acted with complete trust in God, did the seas part, allowing the Israelites to cross safely.

Nachshon’s leap into the sea demonstrates that faith has to be coupled with action. While the Israelites cried out in prayer, Nachshon understood that prayer alone was not enough. As powerful as faith can be, it requires us to take tangible steps toward fulfilling our goals. Nachshon trusted in God’s promise of redemption, but more importantly, he recognised that he had to initiate the process by taking action.

We often face moments of uncertainty and fear, like the Israelites at the Red Sea. Nachshon’s example challenges us to take bold steps forward, even when the path is unclear. His story reminds us that true faith is not passive but active, it is a partnership in which our actions demonstrate our belief and trust in the bigger picture.

Nachshon’s actions also highlight a critical aspect of leadership, the willingness to act when others hesitate. He didn’t wait for consensus or reassurance from the crowd; he led by example, inspiring others through his steadfast determination and commitment.

This kind of leadership is particularly significant in times of crisis. Often, people look to leaders for clarity and direction when they become paralysed by fear. Nachshon’s courage broke the cycle of indecision and inertia, paving the way for an entire nation to move forward.

In our lives, we are all called upon to be leaders in various capacities within our families, communities, and workplaces. Nachshon’s story reminds us that leadership is not about waiting for ideal conditions to make a move but about stepping up when the moment demands it, even if it means standing alone.

Another profound lesson from Nachshon’s story is the importance of trusting the redemption process, even when it is not immediately apparent. The sea did not part until Nachshon was almost submerged. This teaches us that breakthroughs sometimes come only after we have demonstrated complete faith and commitment.

This concept is echoed by our Sages and in our texts. The Mishnah teaches, “Ben Heh Heh said: According to the labour is the reward” (Pirkei Avot 5:23). Nachshon’s willingness to keep moving forward, even as the water rose higher, reflects a deep trust in a much bigger plan even when it is not fully understood.

Nachshon ben Aminadav’s story is much more than an isolated moment in our narrative. It is a timeless lesson about faith, leadership, and courage in uncertainty. His example reminds us that when we face our own “Red Sea” – moments of fear and doubt – we can take that first step forward, trusting that our beliefs and readiness to take action will support us in our journey.

In the trying times in which we live, and with the uncertainty and adversity that faces us, we turn to Nachshon’s faith and courage to inspire us to take bold steps in our own lives and motivate us to bring light, hope, and right action into the world. Additionally, great lessons in leadership can be  gleaned from Nachshon ben Aminadav’s approach, turning words and ideals into action for the betterment of all of us, delivering on a commitment to do what is right.