"When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.[a] The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.”
Exodus 13:17-18

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The Echoes Bible Story (Part 4: Suddenly it Happened) concludes the four-part journey, revealing the moment years of study and discovery came together in a profound insight—read more below.

This coming Shabbat's Torah portion, read on Saturday, January 31st, is Parashat Beshalach. In this week’s reading, Beshalach, Pharaoh pursues the Israelites into the desert. The Red Sea splits, the Israelites cross the sea while the Egyptian army is drowned. Moses and the Israelites sing a special song thanking G‑d for this miracle. The Israelites complain about a lack of food and drink. G‑d sends Manna and quail for them to eat, and miraculously produces water from a rock. Amalek attacks the Israelites and is soundly defeated.

Join us in exploring the Weekly Bible Chapter: A How-To Guide for Holiness by David Wallach with Rabbi Avraham Norin, and let’s learn and reflect together! 

Please enjoy this teaching of our beloved Root Source teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz of blessed memory, about this week's Torah portion, Beshallah, and share your thoughts with us!

Last week, our popular Root Source teacher Rabbi Gedalia Meyer talked about Bo. Watch it below.

Check below to hear what Gidon Ariel and Richard Booker have to share. Watch it below.

We sign off with a nice comment and a beautiful photo of Nazareth, Israel.

Shalom,

Gidon Ariel and Bob O’Dell 
Root Source Founders

A personal note from Gidon

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This article concludes the four-part story of the Echoes Bible.  For the most enjoyment, make you have read part one: How it Happened, part two: The Challenge, and part three: Take a Guess, before continuing.

After Pharaoh sent the Israelites from his land, G‑d did not allow them to take the most direct route to the Promised Land, fearing that any confrontation would then frighten the Israelites, causing them to return to Egypt via this short route. Instead G‑d had them take the circuitous desert route, leading them with a pillar of cloud during daytime and a pillar of fire after dark. G‑d then commanded the Israelites to backtrack and encamp along the Red Sea. They would thus appear to be hopelessly lost, which would prompt the Egyptians to pursue them. The Israelites followed this instruction, and, indeed, the Egyptians armies set out after the “lost” and cornered Israelites.

Great, a guide for how to be holy. This is going to be so helpful. One rule or two – that’ll be it. Right? And as we continue reading past the first few verses, one could become a bit overwhelmed or confused. First we talk about parents, then Shabbat, suddenly we’re speaking about agriculture, then work ethics. Before you know it, we’ve covered sexual morality, back to Shabbat and interpersonal relations.

Gidon and Dr. Booker engaged in a wide-ranging conversation about a variety of topics. They discussed the importance of prayer, the history of Jewish and Christian religious practices, and an upcoming event commemorating the settlers who moved to Israel 40 years ago. They also shared memories and experiences related to Eliezer ben Yehuda, the reviver of modern Hebrew. The conversation concluded with Gidon providing an update on the ongoing war in Israel and emphasizing the need for continued prayers for the safety of soldiers.

Comments

We get so many comments!
Here is one from Sister Georjean Alllenbach on 
Gidon Ariel and Dr. Booker's Conversation:
 

"These are wonderful teachings, ‘From the Heart’, I love that perspective. This is the connection with the Lord, He loves us so much and truly we need only remove the obstructions that we have allowed to be erected!!! Keep up the good work, you are reaching many!!!"

Nazareth, Israel

Enjoy this photo of the Nazareth, Israel by Fr. Daniel Ciucci. 

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