B'shalach

When Is B'shalach Read?

January 31, 2026 / 13 Shevat 5786

January 23, 2027 / 15 Shevat 5787

February 12, 2028 / 15 Shevat 5788

Summary

The Children of Israel escape across the Sea of Reeds from Pharaoh and his army, who drown when God drives back the sea. (13:17-14:31)
Moses and the Israelites sing a song praising Adonai. (15:1-21)
In the wilderness, God provides the grumbling Israelites with quails and manna. God instructs the Israelites to gather and prepare on the sixth day food needed for Shabbat. (15:22-16:36)
The people complain about the lack of water. Moses hits a rock with his rod and brings forth water. (17:1-7)
Israel defeats Amalek, Israel's eternal enemy. God vows to blot out the memory of Amalek from the world. (17:8-16)

Ten Minutes of Torah: B'shalach Commentary

Photo of a road with hills on one side and water on the other; with the sun setting in the background

A Matter of Perspective

By: Rabbi Jessica Kirschner

In B'shalach, the Israelites have a dizzying series of peak experiences in a very short period of time. Some of the events in this portion are so significant that we continue to mark them to this day.

More B'shalach Commentaries

The Controversial Leadership of Heroes

“A Jar in a Museum”

The Past is Hard to Leave Behind

What’s in a Name of God?

Balancing Our Complaints and Maintaining Perspective

How We Win Is Important

B’shalach for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps

First Steps on the Path to the Promised Land

On Gazelles and Pillars of Fire

Crossing the Sea of Reeds was Easier than Crossing the "Sea of Peace"

VIdeo: Learn More About Parashat B'shalach With Bim Bam

Learn More About Parashat B'shalach With Bim Bam

Red Sea walkers, pull on those wetsuits and hit the rapids of Torah Parashat B'shalach! This week's narrator Eli Winkelman - a foodie with a hunger for social change - takes us on the scenic route out of Egypt, wading out of the Red Sea and into a land of bad food and water. Enjoy this video and more with Bim Bam.