I get by with a little help from my friends. #Beshalakh#devartorah#parashathashavua

 At the end of this week’s Torah portion, Beshalakh, the Amalekites waged war against the Israelites. It was a sneak attack against the most vulnerable of our people as Moses recalls in the book of Deuteronomy. “Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey, after you left Egypt— how, undeterred by fear of God, he surprised you on the march, when you were famished and weary, and cut down all the stragglers in your rear.” (DT. 25:17-18)

This week’s parasha reveals Moses’ strategy to win the war. “Then, whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; but whenever he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.” (Exodus 17:11) The Mishna in Rosh Hashanah 29a explains “Was it Moses’ hands that won the battle or lost the battle? Rather (the Torah teaches you): as long as Israel looked heavenward and subjected their heart to their Father in Heaven, they would prevail; but when the did not they would fall.” However, Moses couldn’t encourage the Israelites all by himself; he needed help. “But Moses’ hands grew heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur, one on each side, supported his hands; thus his hands remained steady until the sun set.” (Exodus. 17:12)

We are not told too much about Hur, but he played a crucial role at this point in our people’s history. This reminds us that unseen heroes matter, the supporters and those who encourage leaders, play a key and often overlooked role. Leaders may be the ones mentioned in the history books or lauded on social media, but the quiet, faithful, volunteer who serve in other ways are not overlooked by God. He sees the person who prays for healing for friends and family. He sees the person who helps set up and clean up after a family connection opportunity. He sees the neighbor who reaches out with the word of encouragement.

As God’s partners He is using us, even for tasks that feel insignificant. May we notice and thank any unseen heroes who help us. The Beatles were correct when they sang, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”