A Turbulent Parsha
Parshat Beshalach can be summarized in one word: turbulent. Right after the peak moment in Jewish History where God drowned the entire Egyptian army and caused the Jews to cross the sea in a miraculous manner 3 million people are on the verge of extinction due to a lack of water! Why doesn't God send them into the desert with water? What is the connection to the concepts of חק and משפט (things that are/aren't able to be understood by humans).
The juxtaposition of the חוק (splitting of the sea, a miraculous event) and משפט (the normal human need for water)
Hashem takes them a circuitous route so that they don't see war and return to Egypt yet at the end of the parsha they are engaged in war!
The Mechilta describes four groups at the Yam Suf: those who wanted to jump into the sea, those who wanted to return to Egypt, those who wanted to fight, and those who wanted to confuse them by making a lot of noise.
Delivered at the OU Israel Center, January 15, 2019 (9 Shevat 5779)