The Book of Shmot begins with the Hebrew letter vav (ו׳), signifying that it is a direct continuation of the story of Bereshit . After the deaths of Yosef and his brothers, diplomatic relations between the Israelites and the Egyptians deteriorate. Pharaoh, feeling threatened by the growing Israelite population, shifts from the favorable policies of Yosef’s time to oppression, imposing hard labor to prevent the Israelites from rising against Egypt.
Despite the harsh treatment, the Israelites continue to multiply and grow stronger, which Pharaoh’s advisors interpret as a sign of an impending savior.
Rashi explains that Pharaoh, fearing this savior, orders the killing of all Hebrew male infants. He commands the midwives Shifra and Puah (Yochebed and Miriam, according to Rashi) to carry out the killings. However, when Pharaoh instructs them to focus on the stones where the mother sits during childbirth, they instead see G-D’s presence, defying his orders and sparing the children.
This story reflects the midwives’ resilience and ability to find divine meaning in the midst of their difficult reality, symbolizing the broader theme of optimism in the face of crisis. This optimism continues with Miriam’s prophetic vision, where she challenges her father Amram’s decision to separate from his wife. Her faith leads to the birth of Moshe, the future savior of Israel.
The theme of resilience is further illustrated in the Parsha by the burning bush, which, though aflame, does not burn up. This miracle signifies that, despite the suffering of exile, the Israelites will remain unbroken, continuing to grow and flourish.
The Book of Shmot teaches that, even in times of crisis, we must seek the divine spark within every situation and use it to bring about redemption and growth.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,
Rav Ari Haber
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