As a proud native Jerseyean and former resident of West Orange, I read about the “From the River” chants with mixed feelings, in large measure due to the short explanation that I was recently privileged to be enlightened with (“‘Words Matter’ at West Orange Council Meeting,” The Jewish Link, January 11, 2024).
The Ribono Shel Olom is sending us a message:
From the river (the first plague was with the river). To the sea (the final destruction of the Egyptians was with the splitting of the sea). We Yidden can be free, and can once again experience the types of miracles that we experienced when Hashem took us out of Egypt.
Let’s continue to empower ourselves and pray for the speedy release of all the hostages, complete healing for all in need, and peace in all the lands.
