After generations of slavery in Egypt, the Jewish people were finally free. Hashem had sent Moses to lead them out, and after the ten powerful plagues, Pharaoh had agreed to let them go. The Jewish people, known as the Israelites, quickly gathered their families, their belongings, and even their bread dough that hadn’t yet risen. They had no time to wait, for they needed to leave Egypt as soon as possible.

With Moses at the front, leading them, the Israelites began their journey into the wilderness. Hashem guided them with a special cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, lighting their path and showing them that He was always with them. The people felt hopeful and excited, but also a little nervous about what lay ahead.

As they walked further from Egypt, the Israelites sang songs of gratitude, celebrated their newfound freedom, and talked about their dreams for a new life in the land Hashem had promised them. But soon, word reached them that Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was furious and regretted letting the Israelites go. He had lost his slaves, and his heart grew hard with anger. Pharaoh ordered his army, with chariots, horses, and soldiers, to set out after the Israelites and bring them back to Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Israelites were camped by the edge of the Red Sea, resting and discussing their journey. Suddenly, some people looked back and saw a cloud of dust rising in the distance. They could hear the thunderous sound of horses’ hooves and chariot wheels. Pharaoh’s army was approaching fast!

The people began to panic. They were trapped with the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s mighty army behind them. They cried out to Moses, saying, “What will we do? Were there not enough graves in Egypt that we had to come here to die in the desert?” Fear filled their hearts, and they didn’t know where to turn.

Moses stood tall and reassured them. He told them, “Don’t be afraid! Stand firm and watch the salvation of Hashem. Hashem will fight for you; you only need to be silent and trust in Him.” Moses raised his staff and turned to Hashem in prayer, and Hashem gave him clear instructions on what to do next.

Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, “Tell the people to move forward, and raise your staff over the sea. I will make a path for you through the waters.” The people looked at the sea, which stretched far and wide, and then looked back at the approaching army. Could such a miracle really happen? Could they truly escape through the sea?

But one brave man, named Nachshon, took a bold step. With complete faith in Hashem, he began walking towards the sea. Step by step, he waded into the water, even as it reached his knees, his waist, and finally his shoulders. Just then, Moses lifted his staff high over the water.

At that moment, an incredible thing happened. A powerful wind began to blow from Hashem, sweeping across the Red Sea, and the waters started to part. The waves rose up like giant walls, one on each side, creating a wide path down the middle of the sea. The dry ground appeared beneath their feet, smooth and safe for walking. The Israelites were amazed, but Moses urged them to hurry across, knowing that Pharaoh’s army was close behind.

The people gathered their families, their children, and their belongings and began to cross the sea. They walked between the towering walls of water, glancing up in awe at the fish that swam beside them in the clear, blue walls. The children reached out in wonder, marvelling at how the water stood tall, held back by Hashem’s power.

The elderly walked carefully, supported by their families, while young mothers carried babies close. There was a mixture of joy, excitement, and wonder in their hearts. Some even sang praises to Hashem as they walked, grateful for this miraculous path to freedom.

Behind them, Pharaoh’s army grew closer, and Pharaoh ordered his soldiers to charge into the sea after the Israelites. Chariots and horses thundered down the path between the walls of water, racing to catch up. But Hashem saw what Pharaoh’s army was doing and began to cause confusion among the soldiers. Their chariots got stuck in the mud, the wheels wobbled, and the horses stumbled. The soldiers tried to keep going, but fear was growing in their hearts.

Realising they were in danger, the soldiers cried out, “Let’s get out of here! Hashem is fighting for the Israelites against us!” But it was too late. When the last of the Israelites stepped safely onto the shore on the other side, Hashem told Moses to raise his staff again. As Moses did, the walls of water crashed down, sweeping over Pharaoh’s army and covering them completely. The sea returned to its normal state, and Pharaoh’s soldiers were gone.

The Israelites stood on the far shore, looking back at the sea, realising the full miracle that had saved them. They were free at last, and Pharaoh’s army would never trouble them again. A wave of relief, joy, and gratitude washed over the people, and they began to sing and dance, celebrating the power and kindness of Hashem.

With Moses leading them, the people sang, “I will sing to Hashem, for He is greatly exalted; horse and rider, He has thrown into the sea!” Moses’ sister, Miriam, picked up a tambourine, and all the women joined her, dancing with joy. The sound of tambourines and singing filled the air as the Israelites praised Hashem for His great miracles.

They knew that they were not alone. Hashem was with them, guiding them, protecting them, and helping them find their way. The journey through the desert would be long, but the people knew that with Hashem by their side, anything was possible.

As the Israelites continued on their way, they carried the memory of the splitting of the Red Sea in their hearts, a reminder of Hashem’s love and power. The story of that miraculous night would be told for generations, reminding each new generation of the moment when Hashem had freed His people and shown them the path to freedom.

This story of the Red Sea reminds us that even in the scariest moments, Hashem is always there to guide us and help us find a way forward. With faith, courage, and trust in Hashem, we can face any challenge, knowing that we are never alone.