Rabbi Knopf's Blog

The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about the festival and its meaning. In that spirit, over the past several years, I have offered "30 Days of Liberation," a brief message on each of the 30 days leading up to Passover, drawn from the wisdom of the holiday and the Exodus story. I am thrilled to announce that I am in the process of completing my first book, which will be a compilation of those messages from years past. This year, for “30 Days of Liberation,” I will be sending out brief selections from the book. I look forward to sharing the book with you all in its entirety when it is completed. Meanwhile, I hope you find these messages meaningful and inspiring. Please feel free to share/forward.

​​​​​​​Day 11: Jump In
After leaving Egypt, the Israelites become trapped between the Reed Sea and Pharaoh’s army. Everyone is paralyzed with fear. One man, Nahshon ben Aminadav, also terrified, jumps into the water. As he takes his final breath, the sea splits. Fear is natural in moments of uncertainty, and caution is sometimes wise. But sometimes, redemption requires us to act as if failure is not an option, trusting in our own – and God’s – greatness. Are you paralyzed on the shore of your life, or will you jump in?