Sink to Swim

In Navy SEAL training, there is a drown-proofing test in which the trainees are

bound by their hands and feet and must refrain from drowning for five minutes.

Although the natural response is to fight the constraint, the way to pass this test

is by letting the body go – sinking to the bottom of the 9-foot pool it was just

thrown into. Once the trainee reaches the bottom, he then kicks the floor to

push himself back up to the surface to catch his breath and successfully do it

over again – for five full minutes.

In Parshat Beshalach, we learn of the splitting of Yam Suf. This occurrence is one

of the most important moments in our history as a nation. Afterall, it is one of

two reasons we keep the beautiful mitzvah of Shabbat (the other reason being

the creation of the world in six days). It is how we were able to finally exile from

Egypt. It is THE splitting of Yam Suf.

One remarkable story on this occurrence is that of Nachshon ben Aminadav. As

noted in the Parsha, Yam Suf didn’t just split. In fact, it didn’t split at all. Other

than the Jews utilizing their sense of humor - joking about not having enough

graves in Egypt to die - nothing happened.

That was until Nachson, Aaron’s brother-in-law and descendent of Judah,

stepped in. Literally. He took one step into the water. One more step. And

several more steps. Still, nothing with the Sea happened. It wasn’t until the

waters had seemingly been drowning him that the miraculous event took place.

While it’s granted that Nachson was no Navy SEAL, he had the secret code to life

handy. He knew that by letting go, he could gain true freedom. He had put his

hishtadlut – his effort – in and let the rest be.

It may seem paradoxical. How do you gain freedom by letting go of it?

There are many paradoxes in life, but everything in life is and can be one. Is it

then filled with paradoxes or is it simply one paradox that makes life? If we think

about it, anything and everything can happen all at the same time. When we

make decisions, we are reasoned with nuance. When we make excuses, we’re

using those excuses against things we actually want. When we try to control, we

lose our freedom.

I attended an A.A. meeting once; I visited a rehab that was primarily filled with

young adults with “teen” still in their ages a few times; I interacted with

entrepreneurs and successful businessmen over the years. The common theme

that glued them all was the ability to let go and to learn that control is not quite

our friend.

Here is an idea. When Hashem created the world, He created it day by day. As

each day passed, He stated “Vayehee tov”. AND IT WAS GOOD. It wasn’t

perfect – and it didn’t need to be, because it was good.

May we live every day, day by day. Let things be and freedom will come.

Shabbat shalom!