Parshat Beshalach: Gratitude-the Key to Joyful Life
Parshat "Beshalach" centers on one of the most sublime moments in human history—the Song of the Sea (Shirat HaYam). Following years of enslavement in Egypt, and at the miraculous moment of salvation on the shores of the Red Sea, the Children of Israel burst into a song of praise and gratitude to the Creator of the world. The Song of the Sea was not sung only for the momentary miracle of the splitting of the sea, but for the entire journey of the People of Israel. The key to constant gratitude lies in the ability to look in the right way back at one’s past.
When a person pauses for a moment and honestly reflects on their life's path, they discover that even in the most difficult moments, the Hand of G-d was there. Those "coincidences" that saved us, those people who appeared exactly when we needed them—these are our private miracles. Looking back allows us to see that G-d has performed great kindnesses for us, and this is the starting point for true gratitude.
Although gratitude is not explicitly one of the Seven Noahide Commandments, it is a cornerstone in the service of G-d. A Noahide can express gratitude to the Creator through a sacrifice as well. Halakhically, Noahides are permitted to offer voluntary Burnt Offerings (Olah). Gratitude for a miracle or salvation is considered the most noble and natural motivation for bringing a sacrifice. In the book of Jonah, the sailors after witnessing the miracle of the sea calming, underwent a spiritual awakening and offered sacrifices ("And they offered a sacrifice to the Lord") as an immediate expression of thanks and awe after they were saved. Today, it is not advisable to offer physical sacrifices until the building of the Holy Temple, as the process requires specific knowledge and experience. Instead, we offer the "sacrifices of our lips" through prayer and charity.
Gratitude to G-d is a critical component of our lives; it trains us to see what we do have and the goodness that surrounds us. One who practices gratitude becomes a person who recognizes the Creator's gifts. This perspective is the essential preliminary stage for any authentic service of G-d and for fulfilling the Seven Noahide Laws out of internal joy.
Regarding the Messianic era, the Psalms state: "Then our mouth will be filled with laughter and our tongue with singing" (Psalm 126:2). The prophets inform us that in the future to come, all of humanity will recognize the absolute goodness of the Creator. The song that began on the shores of the Red Sea was the preparation for the "New Song" that will fill the entire world—a song of complete recognition of G-d’s infinite oneness.
Source: Tractate Menchot 73b. Tractate Zevachim 118a. Rambam laws of kings 10:10.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions: Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.
Serving G-d with Joy: A Guide for Jews and Bnei Noah to Serving the Creator with Joy
Thank you, it helps me to know where iam now, like a light shinning through the darkness, thanks