The first four portions are read as the lehening on the seventh day of Pesach.

Additionally, the final part of the sedra is read on Purim. Furthermore, the central feature of the sedra — the ’Shira’ — the thanksgiving Song of Moses is recited every morning in shacharit. It is because of this portion that this Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shira.

The parsha begins with the Children of Israel having just left Egypt.

They are pursued by Pharaoh’s cavalry and seem to be ‘snookered’ when they find themselves caught “between the pursuing forces and the deep Red Sea”.

Actually, strictly speaking, the precise translation of the Hebrew Yam Suf is ‘Reed Sea’ or ‘sea of reeds’.

However, a miracle occurs and the sea splits, allowing the Children of Israel to pass through.

The Egyptians give chase but just as the last Jew arrives safely on dry land, the sea returns to its normal state and drowns the pursuing Egyptians. The Israelites then give thanks to the Lord by singing the Shira.

The second major theme of the sedra is the story of the manna. After the Israelites complained about the lack of provisions in the desert, the Almighty sends manna on a daily basis.

On Friday, a double amount fell as nothing would fall on Shabbat. All cooking, etc had to be done on Friday. We learn from the sedra that it is forbidden to walk more than 2,000 cubits outside a town or village (approximately 3,000 feet).

The sedra ends with an account of the defeat of the Amalekites who waged a war against the Children of Israel. They went after the weak and vulnerable — just as Hamas did on Simchat Torah.

It is fitting that the body of the last remaining hostage was returned this week. This is the portion read on Purim because Haman was a descendant of Amalek.

Next Monday is Tu B’shvat, the New Year for Trees. Even if the weather is decidedly wintery, Spring is just around the corner.

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