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Why does Parshas Beshalach seem to retell the Exodus already described in Parshas Bo? The shiur distinguishes between two departures: last week's parsha describes Bnei Yisrael leaving Egypt, while this week focuses on Pharaoh sending out the Erev Rav—the mixed multitude that joined the Jews. Kriyas Yam Suf was necessary specifically because of the Erev Rav's influence, enabling Klal Yisrael to declare "zeh Keili v'anveihu" and understand their unique connection to Hashem (ה׳).
Rabbi Zweig addresses a fundamental difficulty in the beginning of Parshas Beshalach: it appears to duplicate the account of the Exodus already narrated in Parshas Bo. Last week's parsha described in detail how Klal Yisrael left Egypt—the six hundred thousand men, the exact dating of the exodus after 430 years, numerous mitzvos commemorating the event. Yet Parshas Beshalach opens as if nothing happened, beginning again with "Vayehi beshalach Pharaoh es ha'am." The shiur presents additional perplexing questions: Why was Kriyas Yam Suf never mentioned in the Bris Bein HaBesarim, despite being the greatest miracle in Jewish history? Why wasn't Pharaoh warned about it? The midrash states Pharaoh escorted them out, yet Parshas Bo describes a violent expulsion—how can both be true? Rashi (רש"י) explains the Jews left Egypt armed (chamushim), suggesting they anticipated war, yet the Torah (תורה) says Hashem (ה׳) avoided the direct route specifically to prevent them from seeing war and returning to Egypt. These contradictions demand resolution.
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Parshas Beshalach
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