Articles with the tag: shmot
How to Become a Child of G-d (2:5)
She is one of the most unexpected heroes of the Bible. Without her, Moses might not have lived, and the story of the Exodus would have been completely different. Yet she was not an Israelite. Still, with nothing to gain, and everything to lose, she did not hesitate. Even as Pharaoh afflicted the children of Israel, his own daughter Batya saved them.
Recall the context. Pharaoh had decreed death for every male Hebrew child. Yocheved’s baby could no longer be concealed, and so she set him afloat on the Nile in a basket, hoping for a miracle. This is how the Torah describes what followed: Pharaoh’s daughter went to bathe in the Nile, while her maids walked along the river’s…
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Separation of Church and State
A burning bush, a mission accepted and soon Moses and Aaron found themselves demanding of Pharaoh freedom for all Jews. The Torah relates the Egyptian monarch’s exact reply, “Why do you, Moses and Aaron, hinder the people from their work? Go about your own business.”
Our Sages explain that Moses and Aaron, being Levites, were exempt from the bitter decree of slavery. Pharaoh therefore asked them, “Why do you two involve yourselves in affairs that do not concern you? Let the other Jews continue their task and you do yours.”
Why did the Egyptians permit an entire tribe to be exempt from work? Even the oppressor recognized that each nation must have its own leaders. Throughout history, be it the…
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Moses + One = ? (4:13)
On one hand, people shy away from challenge. There is a danger of failure. Were it not - it would not be a challenge - and no one likes to fail. On the other hand, we seek challenge, for confronting new opportunities lifts us out of the doldrums of ordinary existence.
In this week’s Biblical reading, the first in the Book of Exodus, G-d commissions Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Jewish people out of bondage. After repeated attempts to enlist the faithful shepherd, Moses replies, “Send, I pray You, by the hand of whom You will send.” If this sounds like acquiescence, the Midrash interprets this verse in the following manner. “Master of the Universe,” Moses pleads,...
Continue reading Moses + One = ? (4:13)
Snake Leaders (4:3)
I admit it, I love a good story. It should contain heroes and villains, conflict and a happy ending. In fact, even more than, “They all lived happily ever after,” I personally enjoy a smart conclusion whereby the hero upstages or outsmarts his antagonist. A classic example of this can be found in this week’s Biblical rendition of Moses at the Burning Bush.
At that juncture Moses is exhorted by Hashem to free the Jews from bondage. The humble shepherd responds, “They (the Jews) will not believe me,” to which G-d retorts, “Cast your staff on the ground.” When the staff miraculously metamorphoses into a snake, for some strange reason Moses runs away in fear. Bear in mind, that Moses…
Continue reading Snake Leaders (4:3)
Afraid to See What He Sees (3:6)
Moses’ first foray into Jewish leadership was a bust, when the two Israelites he tried helping indignantly demanded. “Who appointed you as a prince…?” Moses had not yet thought of becoming a leader and already his qualifications were being challenged. It was a taste of things to come.
As a consequence, Moses was forced to flee Egypt and find refuge in Midian where his identity was unknown. As Jethro’s daughters whom he rescued told their father, “An Egyptian man saved us.” Moses looked, spoke, and dressed like an Egyptian. Anonymous at last, he married and settled down to the quiet life, far from Pharaoh and the Israelites.
Yet his past did not leave him alone. At the Burning Bush, G-d…
Continue reading Afraid to See What He Sees (3:6)
A Burning Bush on I-95 (3:3)
Regardless of how limited one’s Jewish education may have been there are a number of Biblical episodes that most literate people are aware of. A painting depicting the Splitting of the Sea would be easily identified. A sculpture of the Ten Commandments is another recognizable artifact. How about Moses at the Burning Bush? Could you correctly guess the scene or would you slap your forehead after you were told the answer and mutter, “I should have gotten it!”
In Jewish history, there is a hardly an object more expounded upon than the Burning Bush. Its symbolism has been analyzed and debated for generations. But rather than discuss the actual bush and its meaning, let’s view the event from a totally…
Continue reading A Burning Bush on I-95 (3:3)
Look Who's in G-d's Orchestra (2:19)
The Sages are in agreement over this issue; the greatness of G-d can be found in the Midrash. Let me concur and add; the humility of Moshe Rabbeinu is found in the same place.
The debut of Moses’ career highlights his concern for others less fortunate. Growing up as a prince of Egypt, surrounded by luxury, Moshe could have easily forgotten his Jewish roots. Instead the Bible informs us, “He went out among his own people and saw their hard labor.” Once, upon observing an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Jew, he killed the slave driver, thus endangering his privileged status. Shortly thereafter, Moshe’s interference became known and he had to flee the country.
Arriving in Midian, he allowed himself to…
Continue reading Look Who’s in G-d’s Orchestra (2:19)
His Name Was Moishe (2:10)
In this week’s Biblical reading we are introduced to one of the most revolutionary people ever to live, Moses, the Lawgiver and Redeemer. If anyone, it is he that should be credited with the widespread acknowledgment of monotheism, the nature of contemporary judicial law and the legislation of morality. Even the world’s major religions that opposed his word as final are based on the Torah he brought down from Sinai. So while we know what became of Moses, we have to wonder, what made him Moses? Who inspired this shepherd of sheep to evolve into a master of men and a deliverer from despots? Which individual imparted to Moses his ethics, his compassion, his sense of absolute right and wrong?...
Continue reading His Name Was Moishe (2:10)
Help, We’re Drowning! (1:22)
The subjugation had begun in earnest. The guidance of Joseph, and the blessing of Jacob which had saved Egypt from famine and starvation, were memories conveniently forgotten. The new Pharaoh had turned the proud children of Israel into wretched slaves. Yet their spirit was not completely crushed. They continued having children, waiting and hoping for the redeemer to be born who would liberate them from bondage.
Pharaoh and his court were well aware of his subjects’ hopes. First they tried enlisting the Hebrew midwives to kill the male newborn. When it became apparent that they were not going to cooperate, Pharaoh conscripted the entire population. Each man, woman, and child was suddenly charged with the vile decree of wholesale infanticide….
Continue reading Help, We’re Drowning! (1:22)
I’m Going to Get into Trouble for This One (1:15)
Once again the specter of a Jewish army flexing its considerable muscle against fellow Jews is front page news. However, this time it’s not Gush Katif, it’s Chevron; and it’s not a settlement at the edge of the country, it’s the City of the Patriarchs in the heartland itself. According to the Israeli papers some 4,000 security personnel will be mobilized to evacuate 8 Jewish families who are living on Jewishly owned land.
With no intent to offend, I simply raise this question: Is there a red line that a government (even a democratically elected one) can cross in the Holy Land that renders the decisions of that administration unholy? Is there ever a situation that allows, perhaps even demands,...
Continue reading I’m Going to Get into Trouble for This One (1:15)
Classic Anti-semitism (1:8)
It’s the classic story of anti-Semitism. Egypt’s political atmosphere changed from welcoming JACOB AND FAMILY as dignitaries, to suspicion, hatred, and finally, exploitation. The commentaries remark that the Egyptian experience is a paradigm for our own exile. With that in mind, this Torah reading deserves careful study as it is pertinent to our own situation.
In Exodus the Torah writes, “A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” It is abundantly clear that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Who wouldn’t have known Joseph? Without Joseph’s intervention, the years of famine would have destroyed the country. Today, someone like Joseph would have sports arenas, libraries, avenues, and shopping centers named after him. Children…
Continue reading Classic Anti-semitism (1:8)
“name and Number, Please” (1:1)
“Ever call the phone company to report a problem? Or maybe you wanted to order something using your credit card? Anyway, we all know the routine.”
First the line is busy. Eventually you get through to a recording that transfers you to another line. There you are directed by a second set of instructions until you finally reach a live human being whose first words are, “Name and number, please.” Number in these instances, of course, refers to a phone or credit card number.
How impersonal! How cold! Obviously the art of conversation has gone the way of the abacus.
But are names and numbers trivial? Let’s note Rashi’s commentary on the opening line in the Book of Exodus, where…
Continue reading “name and Number, Please” (1:1)
“name and Number, Please” (1:1)
“Ever call the phone company to report a problem? Or maybe you wanted to order something using your credit card? Anyway, we all know the routine.”
First the line is busy. Eventually you get through to a recording that transfers you to another line. There you are directed by a second set of instructions until you finally reach a live human being whose first words are, “Name and number, please.” Number in these instances, of course, refers to a phone or credit card number.
How impersonal! How cold! Obviously the art of conversation has gone the way of the abacus.
But are names and numbers trivial? Let’s note Rashi’s commentary on the opening line in the Book of Exodus, where…
Continue reading “name and Number, Please” (1:1)
Classic Anti-semitism (1:8)
It’s the classic story of anti-Semitism. Egypt’s political atmosphere changed from welcoming “JACOB AND FAMILY” as dignitaries, to suspicion, hatred, and finally, exploitation. The commentaries remark that the Egyptian experience is a paradigm for our own exile. With that in mind, this Torah reading deserves careful study as it is pertinent to our own situation.
In Exodus the Torah writes, “A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” It is abundantly clear that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Who wouldn’t have known Joseph? Without Joseph’s intervention, the years of famine would have destroyed the country. Today, someone like Joseph would have sports arenas, libraries, avenues, and shopping centers named after him. Children…
Continue reading Classic Anti-semitism (1:8)
I’m Going to Get into Trouble for This One (1:15)
Once again the specter of a Jewish army flexing its considerable muscle against fellow Jews is front page news. However, this time it’s not Gush Katif, it’s Chevron; and it’s not a settlement at the edge of the country, it’s the City of the Patriarchs in the heartland itself. According to the Israeli papers some 4,000 security personnel will be mobilized to evacuate 8 Jewish families who are living on Jewishly owned land.
With no intent to offend, I simply raise this question: Is there a red line that a government (even a democratically elected one) can cross in the Holy land that renders the decisions of that administration unholy? Is there ever a situation that allows, perhaps even demands,...
Continue reading I’m Going to Get into Trouble for This One (1:15)
Help - We’re Drowning! (1:22)
The subjugation had begun in earnest. The guidance of Joseph, and the blessing of Jacob which had saved Egypt from famine and starvation, were memories conveniently forgotten. The new Pharaoh had turned the proud children of Israel into wretched slaves. Yet their spirit was not completely crushed. They continued having children, waiting and hoping for the redeemer to be born who would liberate them from bondage.
Pharaoh and his court were well aware of his subjects’ hopes. First they tried enlisting the Hebrew midwives to kill the male newborn. When it became apparent that they were not going to cooperate, Pharaoh conscripted the entire population. Each man, woman, and child was suddenly charged with the vile decree of wholesale infanticide….
Continue reading Help - We’re Drowning! (1:22)
His Name Was Moishe (2:10)
In this week’s Biblical reading we are introduced to one of the most revolutionary people ever to live, Moses, the Lawgiver and Redeemer. If anyone, it is he that should be credited with the widespread acknowledgment of monotheism, the nature of contemporary judicial law and the legislation of morality. Even the world’s major religions that opposed his word as final are based on the Torah he brought down from Sinai. So while we know what became of Moses, we have to wonder, what made him Moses? Who inspired this shepherd of sheep to evolve into a master of men and a deliverer from despots? Which individual imparted to Moses his ethics, his compassion, his sense of absolute right and wrong?...
Continue reading His Name Was Moishe (2:10)
Look Who's in G-d's Orchestra (2:19)
The Sages are in agreement over this issue; the greatness of G-d can be found in the Midrash. Let me concur and add; the humility of Moshe Rabbeinu is found in the same place.
The debut of Moses’ career highlights his concern for others less fortunate. Growing up as a prince of Egypt, surrounded by luxury, Moshe could have easily forgotten his Jewish roots. Instead the Bible informs us, “He went out among his own people and saw their hard labor.” Once, upon observing an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Jew, he killed the slave driver, thus endangering his privileged status. Shortly thereafter, Moshe’s interference became known and he had to flee the country.
Arriving in Midian, he allowed himself to…
Continue reading Look Who’s in G-d’s Orchestra (2:19)
A Burning Bush on I-95 (3:3)
Regardless of how limited one’s Jewish education may have been there are a number of Biblical episodes that most literate people are aware of. A painting depicting the Splitting of the Sea would be easily identified. A sculpture of the Ten Commandments is another recognizable artifact. How about Moses at the Burning Bush? Could you correctly guess the scene or would you slap your forehead after you were told the answer and mutter, “I should have gotten it!”
In Jewish history, there is a hardly an object more expounded upon than the burning bush. Its symbolism has been analyzed and debated for generations. But rather than discuss the actual bush and its meaning, let’s view the event from a totally…
Continue reading A Burning Bush on I-95 (3:3)
Afraid to See What He Sees (3:6)
Moses’ first foray into Jewish leadership was a bust, when the two Israelites he tried helping indignantly demanded. “Who appointed you as a prince…?” Moses had not yet thought of becoming a leader and already his qualifications were being challenged. It was a taste of things to come.
As a consequence, Moses was forced to flee Egypt and find refuge in Midian where his identity was unknown. As Jethro’s daughters whom he rescued told their father, “An Egyptian man saved us.” Moses looked, spoke, and dressed like an Egyptian. Anonymous at last, he married and settled down to the quiet life, far from Pharaoh and the Israelites.
Yet his past did not leave him alone. At the Burning Bush, G-d…
Continue reading Afraid to See What He Sees (3:6)
Snake Leaders (4:3)
I admit it, I love a good story. It should contain heroes and villains, conflict and a happy ending. In fact, even more than, “They all lived happily ever after,” I personally enjoy a smart conclusion whereby the hero upstages or outsmarts his antagonist. A classic example of this can be found in this week’s Biblical rendition of Moses at the Burning Bush.
At that juncture Moses is exhorted by Hashem to free the Jews from bondage. The humble shepherd responds, “They (the Jews) will not believe me,” to which G-d retorts, “Cast your staff on the ground.” When the staff miraculously metamorphoses into a snake, for some strange reason Moses runs away in fear. Bear in mind, that Moses…
Continue reading Snake Leaders (4:3)