Jewish tradition describes several miracles, many of which are found in Prophets. Some of these include; Elijah who performed miracles like the raising of a widow’s dead son, Elisha who multiplied the poor widow’s jar of oil. In this week’s Torah portion, B’shalah, Moses most famously parts the Sea of Reeds. This story is familiar to many of us because it is told at Passover seders each year. While these miracles seem far-fetched, believing that these events actually happened is not necessary.

One of my favorite midrashim suggests that miracles can only happen with human intervention. In the Babylonian Talmud, the Israelites gathered at the shore of the sea. Moses lifted his hands as God commanded….and nothing. Nothing happened. The waters did not part. The land did not become dry. As the Israelites began to panic, Nachshon ben Aminadav stepped forward into the water. Everyone began to wonder what this crazy person was doing. Nachshon kept walking into the water. First the water reached his toes. Then his calves. The water hit his knees and thighs. Now the water covered his hips, and then his stomach and chest. The water continued to rise over his neck and lips. As the water reached his nostrils, the sea suddenly split! The Israelites followed Nachson to freedom, and the rest is history.

I like to think of myself as a child of Nachshon. I see Nachshon as a radical Israelite, taking the first bold step to freedom. As a rabbinical student, I see myself as a radical Jew. I am willing to walk into the unknown waters, filled with hope for a better future. Part of my radical Judaism has been standing up for causes that represent my Jewish values. IfNotNow has been a place for me as a liberal Zionist to do something tangible to ensure the future of the Jewish state. I believe that this can best be accomplished by ending the occupation. In what ways are you a descendent of Nachson? How will you leave this world a better place? Don’t be afraid to take that first step into the water, even if it’s cold.

B’shalah: Be like Nachshon was originally published in IfNotNow Torah on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.