The Gemara (Sotah 12a) discusses what went on behind the scenes of this pasuk. Amram was a gadol hador. When Pharaoh decreed that all boys be thrown into the river Amram divorced his wife. Therefore everyone else divorced their wives as well.

His daughter Miriam said to him “Father your decree is worse than Pharaoh’s. Pharaoh only decreed on the boys but you decreed on both boys and girls.”

Amram went and took back his wife. Then everyone went and took back their wives.

From here we learn a lesson about our obligations toward Hashem. A person doesn’t have permission to make logical calculations how and if to fulfill a mitzvah. Even if he’s weighing things l’Sheim Shamayim he cannot just follow his personal feelings. As humans we have limited vision. Therefore we have to be careful because we don’t see the full picture. (Chofetz Chaim al HaTorah)

It had been a great trip. I’d flown to the States to visit family and was now ready to head back home.

“I’m sorry your flight’s been canceled.” Continental’s agent didn’t sound sorry at all. “But you can take the train to Newark and still catch your connecting flight to Israel.”

I stared at my two bulging suitcases carry-on diaper bag and bulky stroller. “Any way to get my luggage to fly to Newark or does that have to go on the train too?”

Check-in clerks have no sense of humor. By the time I’d gotten to the correct platform pulling 100 pounds of stuff I’d lost all humor as well. The train pulled in and I sprang into action. With only 90 seconds per stop it was a miracle I got everything on board. The train lurched into motion and I went flying landing in the next open seat clutching my baby my carriage rolling down the aisle.

“Ohhh a baby!” The woman across from me leaned over to grab my stroller. “He’s so cute. What’s his name?”

Gulp. How do you translate Moishe into English? “Moe.”

“Moe? That’s delicious! I’m Cathy.” She elbowed her husband. “John this is Moe and his mom. Let’s move over so they can have more room.”

I tried to protest but she’d already scooted across the aisle. “You poor thing managing with a baby! Where are you headed?”

“Newark. I still have an international flight to catch.”

“Now don’t you worry John will take care of your luggage in Newark!”

“Not a problem” he drawled. Staring at his strapping six-foot frame I doubted it would be.

“Oh I love babies” Cathy gushed. And for the rest of the train ride she kept Moishe entertained while insisting I rest before my long flight. An angel from Arkansas!

We see a similar concept with Chizkiyahu Hamelech. He didn’t want to get married because he saw b’nevuah that Menasheh the rasha would be born from him. Yeshayahu Hanavi admonished him “You’re obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of having children; therefore it’s not up to you to make calculations.” Chizkiyahu married the daughter of Yeshayahu; his son Menasheh was indeed a rasha but his grandson Yoshiyahu was a tremendous tzaddik who brought all of Bnei Yisrael to teshuvah. (ibid.)

By the time the train neared Newark I’d almost caught my breath. John swung all three suitcases in one hand as I turned to thank Cathy. I reached the platform and saw he’d already piled them up neatly.

“Thank you both so much!”

“Our pleasure.” Suddenly John stuck out his hand. “Wishing you much luck.”

Shake his hand! my brain screamed. Show him you appreciate his help!

I hugged Moishe with both hands and said quickly “Sorry. I don’t shake hands with men for religious reasons. But I so appreciate your help!”

John froze baffled. The train whistled and he turned to go.

“Thank you again!” But my words were lost in the wind leaving me with a sinking feeling of doubt.

Did I make a chillul Hashem? Insult them after all they did to help?

A rationalization that a person makes will not alter Hashem’s great plans. A person should do what he’s supposed to and avoid making calculations that are not according to Torah. (ibid.)

I’ll never see John and Cathy again and I’ll never know what impression I made. But I know I did the right thing. The only thing.