In such a detailed and well known Torah portion, there is much to consider for a “word of Torah” – the escape from Egypt, the splitting of the sea, the raining down of manna, the “first” Shabbat for the children of Israel, and much more.  However, as we have just begun a secular new year, I am drawn to the very first words of our portion. At the beginning we read “Vayhe beshallach Paroh et ha am… (Now when Pharaoh let the people go…)”. 

The verb root shin lamed chet often means to “send”, “send away”, or “dismiss”, but its usage here has a much richer allusion.   We have just seen it used in verse 12:33 as the Egyptians are anxious to send away the Hebrews lest they “shall all be dead” (from the impact of the plagues against the Egyptians).  This verb is also used in Deuteronomy and in Jeremiah in reference to divorce and to the emancipation of a slave.  Consequently, the understanding of the word must be far deeper that a simple “letting go” or “sending away” of the people by Pharaoh.  Rather, it could be understood as a “severance of ties”.

Often, at this time of year, we hear of people making resolutions.  Particularly more “external” resolutions seem to be made at this time of year than the “internal” commitments to “tshuvah” during the High Holy Days.  Changing one’s physical habits may enhance one’s life, but dieting, exercising, or ceasing negative habits do not automatically lead to a better spiritual life.  But as we are pledging and working on changing our behaviors, we should consider how we “let go” of the things that are weighing on us.

Sometimes, we do need to just “let go” completely.  We need to sever ties and know that we can only reach our goals or become our best self by letting go of that which holds us down.  To simply step away would not be enough because we might continue to be drawn back out of fear of the unknown or comfort with what is known.  We see the Israelites complaining about leaving Egypt and suggesting that it may have been better to remain as slaves rather than face the unknown.  Even with their release from Egypt, they still long for what they knew over what they do not.

The unknown can be daunting.  Venturing into a new job, a new relationship, or even out of a relationship can be frightening.  However, we must allow ourselves to see the possibilities through change.  We must recognize that there can be a better path that leads to a more fulfilling life.

On the other hand, sometimes we need to review and re-evaulate before we let something go.  At times we are quick to think something is not working for us when we have not truly taken the opportunity to see its value.  In Midrash Rabbah on this portion we find an interpretation of these first few words of our portion.  “It is written:  ‘Thy shoots are a park of pomegranates’ (Song of Songs 4:13).  It is like one who had a field in which there was a heap of stones.  This he sold to another man who removed the heap and discovered running water beneath it.  He then planted therein rows and rows of vines, and various kinds of spices and pomegranates…When its former owner happened to pass by and saw it teeming with all good things, he exclaimed: ‘Woe is me that I should have sold and let out of my hands such a field!’

Whether we reclaim that which we had thought was not worthwhile or ultimately make the decision to “let go”, may we do so with a clear mind open to the potential and ready to conquer the fear of the unknown.  The midrash above continues to say that the Israelites were like the shoots of the pomegranate who blossomed once they were uncovered (let go).  In our new secular year, may we be just as fruitful with possibility.