(Courtesy of Nishmat) The story of Kriat Yam Suf in Sefer Shemot stands out among the miracles in the Torah. After years of oppression, Am Yisrael not only witnesses the sea splitting, but also sees the downfall of their greatest oppressor. It’s a moment of profound revelation followed by immediate faith and song: “Israel saw the great hand that Hashem had wrought against Egypt, and the people feared Hashem and they believed in Hashem and Moshe, His servant” (Shemot 14:31). The Midrash describes this moment powerfully: “A maidservant saw on the sea what neither Ezekiel nor Isaiah saw… When the Kadosh Baruch Hu revealed Himself on the sea, Am Yisrael recognized the glory of their Creator as though they were seeing Hashem with their own eyes” (Shemot, Sechel Tov, Parshat Beshalach, Chapter 15).
Yet, only three days later, the people begin complaining about the lack of water, followed by more complaints about hunger and their desire to return to Egypt. This raises a question: How is it possible that right after such a powerful revelation, the people quickly fall back into doubt and dissatisfaction?
Rabbi Tzadok Hacohen offers an explanation: The difference lies between Hasaga (understanding) through Re’iyah (sight) and Hasaga through Kinyan (acquisition). What the people saw at Yam Suf was undeniable, but once the vision faded, it had little lasting impact. True and lasting faith, Rabbi Tzadok teaches, is not immediate—it requires internalization, personal participation and gradual development. This process begins on their journey to Matan Torah at Har Sinai.
But if the revelation at Yam Suf didn’t seem to have long-term effects, what was its purpose? To answer this, we can turn to the end of the Midrash above: “In the future, HaKadosh Baruch Hu will make a dance for the righteous… and each will point with their finger and say, ‘Behold, this is our God’” (Talmud Bavli, Ta’anit 31a). In the future, the righteous will see Hashem’s glory clearly, and unlike the fleeting moment at the sea, this revelation will be enduring.
At the time of Kriat Yam Suf, Am Yisrael was far from this ultimate revelation. So, how did they begin the journey toward great heights when they were at their lowest? A transformative experience was required—something extraordinary, like the moment at Yam Suf. While it may have seemed fleeting, its impact set everything in motion. It sparked the journey, even if the full transformation unfolded gradually.
The concept of Shana Ba’Aretz inherently embodies the essence of Hasaga through Re’iyah—a transformative experience where high school graduates disconnect from their previous surroundings and immerse themselves in a new environment, offering intense, powerful and unique experiences. Moments of revelation, like those at Yam Suf, spark powerful insights, but for lasting growth, they must be followed by a process of Hasaga through Kinyan.
At Liba in Nishmat, the year is designed to foster inquiry through acquisition, helping students develop the personal skills and motivation to turn Torah learning and commitment to Halacha into lasting, active elements of their lives. The moments of powerful revelation remain central to the year, with highlights such as Tefilla, hiking the land, extraordinary speakers and more. However, these moments are always paired with tools to internalize and transform them into a process of personal growth with lasting effects. Students become part of a community dedicated to growth in Avodat Hashem, and this community continues to inspire them long after their year in Israel.
Learn more at nishmat.net.
