Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:26)

Words to Live By

            This week’s parasha is Yitro. It is named for Moses’ father-in-law who makes an appearance in the beginning of the parasha to deliver Zipporah and his grandsons to Moses and to make a burnt offering to Hashem. On the third new month since leaving Egypt, the Israelites travel to the wilderness of Sinai. Chapter 20 covers the reading of the 10 commandments. The 10 commandments have truly stood the test of time. Tradition says that we, as Jews, were also at Sinai with our ancestors. When we follow the commandments, it connects us even more to our forefathers.

Be-shallah (Ex. 13:17-17:16)

When You Believe

            Be-shallah begins to tell of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt. Soon after they depart, Pharaoh has a change of heart and sends soldiers after them to bring them back. The Israelites panic upon reaching the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea), but Hashem parts it, giving them dry land to walk on. The Egyptian soldiers attempt to follow, but the L-rd closes the water back on them and they perish. After walking for a few days, the Israelites cry out in hunger, but the L-rd satiates them with quail, manna, and water. The parasha ends with the Israelites defeating Amalek at Rephidim.

            Be-shallah translates as “When he let go.” In the context of the parasha, it refers to Pharaoh and his release of the Israelites. But we need to learn how to let go as well. There is no shame in needing help and of course, nothing is too big for Hashem. We can see from this parasha how G-d can literally make a way out of no way; a great example being the parting of the Sea of Reeds. Faith in Hashem can bring you out of some tough times. “When I am filled with cares, Your assurance soothes my soul.” (Psalm 94:19) 

Bo' (Exodus 10:1-13:16)

Don’t Settle Down

            Parasha Bo’ finds Pharaoh not swayed by 8 of Hashem’s 10 plagues. Moses and Aaron are sent by the L-rd one last time to ask for freedom for the Israelites. Still hard-hearted, Pharaoh says no. The final plague, the killing of the first-born sons of the Egyptians takes place. The Israelites are spared by placing lambs’ blood on their doorways in an event that is remembered today in the festival of Pesach, or Passover. Finally, Pharaoh commands the Israelites to depart.

            Imagine the courage it took for Moses and Aaron to go into Pharaoh’s court, not just once but multiple times. Now consider how brave the Israelites had to have been to leave the only land they had ever known to follow a G-d they couldn’t see or hear. Today, we are basically settled, but we shouldn’t get too content. Like the Israelites, we should be ready to follow Hashem and get a little shaken up at times. We need to get out of our spiritual comfort zones. Whether it be learning a new nigun or taking on more mitzvot, let’s get moving for Hashem.

Va-'era' (Exodus 6:2-9:35)

Don’t Go It Alone

            Parasha Va-‘era’ picks up with Moses under Hashem’s command to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In the previous parasha (Shemot), Moses feels that because of his stutter, he cannot do what is asked of him. The L-rd tells Moses that his older brother Aaron will be willing to speak for him. The brothers speak to Pharaoh, but to no avail. This causes the L-rd to begin to bring about the plagues.

            In Exodus 7:1-2, G-d says to Moses: “See I place you in the role of G-d to Pharaoh, with your brother Aaron as your prophet. You shall repeat all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh to let the Israelites depart from his land.” Like Moses, we are also vessels for Hashem on Earth. Through our speech and actions, we show the world our faith, obedience, and living example of G-d’s covenant. Also, like Moses, we can’t go it alone. It goes without saying that we have Hashem on our side, but we need an Aaron as well. Having one true friend is a great thing. A religious study partner will allow you to see another point of view, exposing you to something you may have otherwise missed. What kind of vessel are you being?