Pesach is the holiday of freedom. We sit at the Seder, recount the miracles, and remind ourselves that we are no longer slaves but a free people. But what does freedom really mean? It’s not just about leaving Egypt; it’s about stepping into a new reality – one where we have the power to build our future, our families, and our communities. And in this process, one of the greatest freedoms we experience is the ability to find our match.

There’s an old saying in the Gemara: Making a match is as difficult as the splitting of the sea. It’s a phrase we repeat often, but what does it really mean? Why is finding your person compared to one of the greatest miracles in history? And what does that mean for those of us trying to help people find love?

A miracle that requires action

When Bnei Yisrael stood at the edge of the sea, they were trapped. Behind them, the Egyptians were closing in. In front of them, the water stretched endlessly. Fear and doubt filled the air. And then, something incredible happened – not just the miracle of the sea splitting, but what came before it. Nachshon ben Aminadav jumped in. He didn’t wait for the miracle. He acted, and then Hashem responded.

Dating often feels like standing at the edge of the sea. The challenge ahead seems impossible. But just like at the Yam Suf, the miracle only happens when we take that first step. And this isn’t just about singles – it’s about all of us. If we see two wonderful people and think they might be a great match, what’s stopping us from making the introduction? Fear? Doubt? Worry about getting involved? But if we don’t take action, the sea stays closed.

A path that isn’t straight

When the sea split, it wasn’t just one straight path. According to the Midrash, there were twelve paths – one for each tribe. That means every shevet had its own unique way to get to freedom.

The same is true for dating. There isn’t just one path to finding a match. Some people meet through family, others through a shadchan. Some go on five dates, others on fifty. Sometimes, the journey takes longer than expected. But that doesn’t mean we’re lost – it just means our path is different. The key is to keep walking, even when it feels like we’re going in circles.

The role of the community

Bnei Yisrael crossed the sea as a nation. They supported each other, walked together, and experienced the miracle side by side.

Matchmaking is no different. It’s not just a task for singles – it’s a communal responsibility. We don’t stand on the sidelines and wait for people to figure it out themselves. We help. We suggest. We think creatively. We care enough to get involved.

Yet many people hesitate. “I don’t want to meddle.” “What if they say no?” “What if it doesn’t work?” But imagine if Moshe had hesitated at the sea. Imagine if Nachshon had waited for someone else to go first. Sometimes, our role is simply to take action, to be the one who moves things forward.

The freedom to choose

Pesach isn’t just about physical freedom – it’s about spiritual and emotional freedom, too. It’s about the ability to create our future. And in dating, one of the most empowering ideas is that Hashem gives us free will. Yes, finding the right person is a heavenly process. Yes, it’s compared to splitting the sea. But it’s not entirely out of our hands. We have the ability to make decisions, take action, say yes, say no, and move forward with faith.

If making a match is like splitting the sea, then just as Hashem made a way for us then, He can make a way for us now. But we have to do our part. We have to step in, trust the process, and be open to the possibilities.

Your turn

So here’s the question: What’s your next step? If you’re single, maybe it’s saying yes to the next suggestion someone makes. Even if you feel uncomfortable being set up by a friend or family member, consider saying yes this time. If you’re a friend, parent, or community member, maybe it’s making that introduction you’ve been thinking about but hesitating to act on.

Pesach is a time of renewal. A time when we remember that the impossible can become possible. A time when the sea can split before our very eyes. And who knows? Maybe this Pesach, your small act – your willingness to take that step – will be the beginning of something miraculous.

 

● Originally published on Aish.com

 

Aleeza Ben Shalom is a soulmate clarity coach, she was on Netflix’s “Jewish Matchmaking” and is an in-demand speaker, expert, and author of numerous books.

The Jewish Matchmaking Movement is an exciting global collaboration between World Mizrachi and Aleeza Ben Shalom to guarantee future Jewish generations.