Parshas Beshalach: The Importance of Gratitude

Akiva Levine (’26) In this week's parsha, parshat Beshalach, Pharaoh finally agrees to let the Bnei Yisroel leave Egypt. During the first Aliyah in pasuk זי , the word "vayehi" or "and it was" is used. Typically it is noted that this word is often used in a distressing and sorrowful manner. The Gemara in Masechet Megillah 10b, describes the word as one to convey a sad situation. For instance, in the beginning of Megillah, it states שורושחא ימיב יהיו. In this case, the word is used appropriately to convey the tragic events that are to come later in the Purim story. However, In Parshat Beshalach, the use of "vayehi" in reference to the Jews leaving Egypt is particularly intriguing, as this event was eagerly anticipated by the Jewish people after years of enslavement. The Jews leaving Egypt is a time of joy and excitement- not a time of distress. Why did the Torah use this word in this context?

As the הרותה ינינפ explains, Moshe beseeched Pharaoh to release the Jewish people from slavery. Pharaoh of course, stubbornly refused until Hashem eventually performed many the situation, and highlight the difficulty the Jewish people faced in their journey towards freedom. miracles. Finally, when Pharaoh let the Jews go, some of the Jews were shockingly grateful to Pharaoh for "permitting" them to leave instead of giving credit to Hashem The king of Egypt. The very man who had the jews enslaved for hundreds of years- was the man that received some credit for "allowing" the jews to leave. This expression "vayehi" is used to show the sad situation and distress that even after all the suffering at the hands of Pharaoh, some Jews still saw Pharaoh as their liberator. The use of "vayehi" could have been used to emphasize the irony of

The word "vayehi" also teaches a powerful lesson. When someone provides you with something, you must always know who to thank and how to show gratitude. In our lives, almost everything we own and benefit from, is all from Hashem. We must show appreciation to Hashem, and anyone who works to make our lives more enjoyable.

Appreciation and gratitude is key to living a fulfilling life. Before showing העדוה and thanks, we must first recognize our provider. In םירצמ תאיצי, our "provider" was Hashem.

The Torah is a powerful tool for conveying the emotions and struggles of the Jewish people. Whether it is used to describe a time of distress or to highlight the ironies of a particular situation, this word serves to give insight into the experiences of the Jewish people and to bring their stories to life.