#25: Machshavah

Rav Menachem Mendel of Riminov teaches that the seventh day of Pesach is particularly suited for strengthening our emunah—our faith in Hashem. This is the day on which Hashem split the Sea for Bnei Yisrael, an awe-inspiring miracle that culminated in the verse, "Vaya’aminu baShem"—“And they believed in Hashem” (Shemot 14:31). The experience at the Sea was not merely a dramatic moment of physical salvation; it was a transformative spiritual encounter, one that awakened and deepened the nation’s trust in the Divine.

Building on this idea, R. Elimelech Biderman quotes the Ziditchover Rebbe, who teaches that the same spiritual energy that was present on that original seventh day of Pesach returns to us each year on this day. Just as the sea was split and salvation was granted then, so too is this a day imbued with the potential for personal and communal redemption. He urges us to seize the opportunity to daven—to pour our hearts out before Hashem—for whatever salvations we may need. Whether it’s a request for a shidduch, parnassah, healing from illness, or relief from any struggle—this day carries a unique spiritual potency to help bring those requests before the Divine throne.

Each of us has much to be grateful for, and yet we also carry within us heartfelt hopes, needs, and worries—both as individuals and as a nation. Especially in these difficult times, when the Jewish people continue to face threats and challenges from enemies near and far, we are reminded of how deeply we need Hashem’s protection and mercy. The seventh day of Pesach invites us to reflect not only on the miracles of the past, but also on the possibility of future miracles. By contemplating the mighty hand of Hashem at the Sea, we can renew our faith and tap into that very same energy of emunah that our ancestors felt.

May we all merit to strengthen our trust in Hashem, to open our hearts in sincere prayer, and to see yeshuot—salvations, both great and small—in our lives, in our communities, and for the entire Am Yisrael.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.