But then, as the story goes, GOD intervened. MOSES stretched out his hand, and the sea parted. A path opened up, dry land appeared, and the Israelites began to cross. But what was it really like? We often picture it as a straightforward march, but the myths and legends surrounding this moment add layers of wonder and reassurance.

One beautiful story, recounted in Midrash Avkir, Exodus Rabbah 21:10, and Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael, be-Shalah 1:86-108, paints a vivid picture of GOD's providential care during that miraculous crossing. Can you imagine the scene? Thousands of people, walking on newly-revealed seabed. Women clutching their babies, children wide-eyed with a mix of fear and amazement. And, inevitably, the sound of crying.

But here's where the myth gets truly special. According to this tradition, as recounted in Tree of Souls by Howard Schwartz, GOD ensured that everything the Israelites needed was right there in the waters. So, when the children started to wail, their mothers didn't have to despair. They simply reached into the sea and plucked out… apples and pomegranates! Fresh, ripe fruit, growing right there in the saltwater. Imagine the relief, the astonishment, as those crying children were soothed by the taste of sweetness in the midst of chaos.

Isn't that a breathtaking image? It's more than just a nice story. It speaks to the profound belief that GOD provides, even in the most impossible circumstances. We find this idea echoed throughout the Exodus narrative. Think about the manna, that mysterious food that tasted like whatever each person desired most (more on that story elsewhere!). Or Miriam's Well, the legendary source of water that followed them through the desert, as described in other tales. And let's not forget the Seven Clouds of Glory, shielding them from the harsh desert sun and the dangers lurking below.

These aren't just isolated miracles. They are all interconnected. They highlight GOD's constant, unwavering concern for the well-being of the Israelites, a theme woven throughout the entire Exodus story. The Zohar, that foundational text of Jewish mysticism, tells us that everything in creation is ultimately an expression of GOD's loving-kindness. This myth of the Red Sea crossing seems to be a perfect illustration of that idea.

As Ginzberg tells us in Legends of the Jews, the Exodus was more than just a historical event; it was a demonstration of GOD's power and love. And the image of those women, drawing sustenance from the sea for their children, is a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, hope – and even sweetness – can be found in the most unexpected places. What other hidden sweetnesses, maybe even miracles, await us in our own lives, if we only look closely enough?