One of my favorite Passover stories, and one that I have written about before, takes place at the edge of the Red Sea. With the waters ahead and doubt and concern all around, tradition teaches that it was Nachshon who stepped forward first walking into the sea before it had parted. Only then did the waters begin to open.
This story offers a couple of lessons that feel especially relevant to the work we do together at the JCC.
Courage often begins with a single step.
Nachshon did not wait for certainty. He did not wait for perfect conditions. He moved forward with faith, trusting that the path would emerge. At the JCC, we are often called to do the same: to step into complex conversations, to build bridges across differences, and to create spaces that do not yet fully exist. Whether in moments of community tension or opportunity, progress requires people willing to take that first step.
Leadership is not about position. It’s about action.
Nachshon was not leading from a podium; he was leading through example. His willingness to act inspired others to follow. Across our agency, we see this kind of leadership every day when staff and members choose to show up, to listen, to engage, and to care for one another. It is through these actions that we shape the kind of community we aspire to be.
As we reflect on Nachshon’s bold action, may we each find the courage to step forward when it matters most, and may we continue to create pathways for ourselves and others before they might be readily apparent.
Wishing you and your families a Chag Pesach sameach,
Jason