What were the two things that drew Yisro close, which convinced him to cast his lot with the Jewish people? Rashi, quoting Chazal, tells us that it was the splitting of the sea and the war with Amalek that were the catalysts for his conversion. These two things symbolize the path of a good Jew; these two experiences represent the two facets of our work in this world. Kriyas Yam Suf gave us the ability to jump in, to leave everything behind, to throw it all away and take the plunge. Then after the initial enthusiasm wore off, after that burst of self-sacrifice, the uphill battle began. The fight against Amalek represents the fight against all those forces that wish to ‘cool us off,’ to lower the flames of our passion and determination. As hard as it is to take the plunge, it’s equally hard, if not more so, to keep the battle going, to persist and endure.
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