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By Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky,
B´nei Israel Congregation, Costa Rica

Translated by Inés Baum - Proofreading by Ellen Zindler

In this globalized world, we often feel glad and distressed by the same news, even when we live thousands of kilometers away and speak different languages. A good example of this modern characteristic is the terrible tragedy that battered Haiti, with devastating consequences that continue to deeply move us. The unendurable numbers, the heartrending images, and the stories of death and desolation bring a lump to our throats, and stir us to help and contribute in some way.

In our synagogue, when we read the Misheberach for the sick on the Shabbat following the earthquake, a prayer spontaneously arose for the people who were struggling for their lives underneath the rubble, and for the health of those who had survived the natural catastrophe. Likewise, before reading the mourners Kaddish, we all had in our minds the thousands of souls who were cut short in just a few seconds.

Just a few days later, we saw how Jewish organizations all around the world quickly joined the worldwide collection campaigns in order to send money to the earthquake victims. Our dear UJCL reacted very fast as well, providing an appropriate means so that the congregations in the area could offer their contributions. We all received e-mails from different Jewish institutions summoning us to contribute, or informing us about the way in which they were helping Haiti. Also, the State of Israel’s response filled Jews with pride all over the world.

Facing such a display from the Jewish world, and the feeling of grief experienced in our synagogues, we may wonder whether there is some innate element in the Jewish tradition concerning other people’s suffering, or whether Jews react simply as the human beings they are, moved by the misfortunes of their fellow men. Perhaps we can find an answer to this question in this week’s parashah.

This week’s portion of the Torah tells the story of the marvelous departure from Egypt, crowned by the miracle of the partition of the waters and the subsequent defeat of the powerful Egyptian army. According to the Talmud (Babli Megillah 10b), the divine wonder not only caused a strong impact on human beings, but on celestial beings as well. When the angels witnessed the deliverance of the Hebrews by the hands of God, and the defeat of the Egyptians, they wanted to sing songs of praise for the Creator. At that point, according to Rabbi Yohanan’s Midrash, the Lord, Blessed be He, said: “The work of My hands is in distress, are drowning in the sea, and you wish to utter song before Me?” That is to say, God does not cheer anybody’s fall, not even for the debacle of those considered the archetype of evil. When misfortune catches them, God suffers even for those who enslaved, oppressed, plundered, killed and provoked endless despair, even when He Himself is the One causing their misfortunes.

Then, behold here a fundamental teaching for us Jews: human suffering is our suffering. Jews cannot remain indifferent before their neighbors’ misfortunes, whether they are the most righteous among men, or the most evil. To be a Jew means to feel empathy for the suffering of others, to be moved by the tragedy of others, and to attempt to contribute in some way and make an effort to mitigate the pain.

This Shabbat Beshalach, when we once again read the holy story of the exodus from Egypt, which is a miracle causing joy and praise, we do not forget that our freedom implied the suffering of another nation, which leaves displeasure in the midst of so much joy. That is a characteristic etched in our Jewish hearts and minds. May we never forget it.

This Parashah commentary was done by the Union of Jewish Congregations of Latin America and the Caribbean, and may be reproduced quoting its source.
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Forwarded by Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik, from Kol Shearith Israel Congregation, Panama.
Translated by Inés Baum and proofread by Ellen Zindler, from B’nei Israel Congregation, Costa Rica.

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