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,...
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The Names of G-d
The Names of G-d
Moses: “Behold, I will come to the children of Israel and say to them, The G-d of your fathers has sent me to you, and they will say, ‘What is his name?’ What shall I say to them?”
G-d replied: “I am who I am… Tell the children of Israel, I Shall Be (Eh-he-keh) has sent me to you.”
I am with you in your present distress, and I will be with you in future exiles and persecution. (Rashi)
To name something is to describe and define it. So G-d cannot be named.
In the words of the Midrash: G-d said to Moses, “You want to know My name? I am called by My deeds. When…
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His Name Was Moishe
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?...
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"name and Number, Please\
“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, referring to phone or credit card.
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 it states,...
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A Burning Bush on I-95
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…
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Look Who's in G-d's Orchestra
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…
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Moses + One = ?
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 = ?
Help - We’re Drowning!
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….
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Snake Leaders
I admit it, I love a good story. It should contain heroes and villians, 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…
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I’m Going to Get into Trouble for This One
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,...
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Jewish Blood Is Vital
All around the world, Jewish communities in Europe, South America, Australia and in our very own Sunshine State will be heading to their synagogues this Shabbat ... and shake their heads in puzzlement about the situation in Israel. Questions such as, “What can we do” to “What should we do” are heard in between the Aliyot….
Working together is not only pragmatic in order to accomplish a monumental task, it is a necessary state of mind if we are to achieve the purpose of why G-d placed us on this world… Responsibility is a basic human need, just like food or oxygen.
We may choose to ignore our inner call….Three or four generations ago, our grandparents could not be blamed…
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