PARSHA & PROSE: THE TORAH PORTION OF BESHALACH THROUGH THE LENS OF ’LES MISERABLES’ (Audio/Visual)

In Les Misérables, the themes of liberation, redemption, and divine intervention resonate deeply with the story of the Israelites in the Torah portion Beshalach. As the Israelites escape Egypt, they are freed from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, mirroring the struggles of the characters in Hugo's novel who seek freedom from various forms of societal and personal bondage. The dramatic parting of the Red Sea can be seen as a divine act of mercy, reminiscent of moments in Les Misérables where grace transcends justice, such as Jean Valjean's transformation after the bishop’s forgiveness. The song of the Israelites after their crossing, expressing gratitude for God’s deliverance, echoes the redemptive songs of the novel's characters who rise above their suffering through acts of compassion and self-sacrifice. Both the Torah portion and the novel remind us that, even in the darkest times, there is a path to freedom, and it is paved through mercy, faith, and unwavering hope in the face of adversity.