Apr 25th 2008, 00:00

We have all heard the expression, "you can bring a horse to water but you cannot make it drink." There are many lessons that can be gleaned from that statement. First is that our control over other things is limited. Second is that each creature must take responsibility for its own well being.

At our Seder tables last week we told once again the story of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. We focused on God's benevolent actions and God's power in being able to manipulate Pharaoh. We gave all the traditional reasons for the symbols of the Seder plate and we used all our senses to experience this important festival. But the story was not concluded. The story of the Jewish people did not end with the Exodus.

In our Torah portion this week, we read the next chapter. The Exodus was only the first step on a very long journey. There were many steps to go and many places along the way. First stop was at the shores of the Sea of Reeds (often mistranslated as the Red Sea). Now certainly God could have divided the sea before or as the Israelites approached but God needed a sign of commitment on the part of the people that they indeed wanted to be free and more importantly appreciated their new-found freedom.

Unfortunately, the people lose faith in Moses and God. They bitterly complain about their situation and wax poetic about how good their lives were back in Egypt.

Now just as God is to leave them out there to perish, one brave man steps forward to show his desire and determination. According to tradition, Nachshon ben Aminadav walks straight into the sea and just as the water is about to cover his face, the sea miraculously parts. So you might say that you can bring the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, but you cannot make them accept freedom.

The actions of Nachshon are also a paradigm. How often we speak about our partnership with God. God gives us the grapes and we make the wine. God gives us the wheat and we make the bread (or matzah this week!). God has given us this planet to populate and habitat, and it is up to us to be its steward and to care for the air, land, sea, plants, and animals. Today, we know how to be God's partners. For the Israelites who left Egypt, this was a learning experience.

Unfortunately today, some people have forgotten about Nachshon. They act too much like the Israelites who were happier and more content being slaves. Too many in our society do not know how to handle freedom and so they become slaves to money or power, to fame or fashion. Our Exodus story and our Passover Festival remind us that freedom is synonymous with responsibility. By taking those brave steps, Nachshon showed us the proper path. He led the way for the other leaders and for the entire Jewish people. He continues to remind us that freedom is all about partnership: partnership with our fellow human beings, and partnership with God.

Tonight at Temple will be our Passover Family Service featuring our Jr. Choir. Tomorrow we have Torah Study and the Shabbat/Festival morning service including Yizkor. Religious school will also be in session. On Sunday, join me on the Fullerton Plaza at 12:15 PM for the annual CROP Hunger Walk. Have a great weekend.