Jewish Education & Engagement
Published:
January 30, 2026
Last updated:
March 30, 2026

Parshat Beshalach: The First Step Into The Waters

Jewish Education & Engagement
Published:
30 Jan 2026
Last updated:
30 Mar 2026
Key Takeaways
  • As we strive to connect our values with the timeless wisdom of our tradition, we are excited to begin sharing more frequent reflections on how the weekly Torah portion speaks to our mission of disaster relief.
  • At NECHAMA, we see that same spirit in every disaster zone.

Shabbat Shalom! As we strive to connect our values with the timeless wisdom of our tradition, we are excited to begin sharing more frequent reflections on how the weekly Torah portion speaks to our mission of disaster relief.

This week in Parshat Beshalach, we read about the courageous moment the Israelites stood before the Sea of Reeds. Tradition tells us the waters didn’t part until Nachshon ben Aminadav took that first brave step into the waves. At NECHAMA, we see that same spirit in every disaster zone. Recovery doesn’t happen by waiting for the path to clear; it begins the moment we step into the mud and start the hard work of rebuilding together.

Just as our ancestors crossed the sea as one community, we believe that no one should have to face the aftermath of a storm alone. May we all find the strength to be the first ones in the water this week, turning moments of crisis into paths of hope.

Rabbi Klein is an active-duty Jewish chaplain in the U.S. Army with a doctorate in educational leadership and extensive experience in Jewish education and community engagement.

Related topics

Join the Work

There are many ways to be part of NECHAMA’s mission. Whether you bring a group, volunteer as an individual, support the work financially, or partner with us, you are helping families return home and volunteering in a meaningful way.

Person wearing a blue shirt, gloves, and a blue face mask using a DEWALT cordless drill on a wall in a construction or renovation setting.

Donate

Make recovery possible after disaster, now and in the future.

Four people wearing blue shirts and hats using power drills on a concrete surface outdoors under a partly cloudy sky.

Volunteer

Take part in hands-on recovery that changes lives, including your own.

Three women smiling and posing together in a construction or renovation setting wearing casual work clothes, safety goggles, and name tags reading Lucy, Rachel, and Robin.

Partner with us

Respond to disasters with your organization