Moses

Moses says that he is not a man of “d’varim” – the Hebrew term he uses for “words.” God nonetheless insists Moses be the leader of Israel. And the lesson begins.

This week’s parasha shows us several different kinds of speech illustrate a range of values expressed in language.

After about a year of camping near Mount Sinai, the children of Israel began moving toward the Promised Land.

God’s speaking to Moses – more than reflecting holiness, reflects the intimacy of direct communication and connection with the creator.

The Suez Canal has been blocked for days by a giant container ship, causing big problems for the global shipping industry and starting a torrent of social media memes. But what’s Jewish about it?

“The text is very reminiscent of the book of Deuteronomy, and anyone who is familiar with it would feel it. But there are also some differences,” Dershowitz said.

We notice a phrase that is repeated often while the Torah describes the execution of the directions: “As the Lord commanded Moses.” This phrase is repeated no fewer than 19 times.

People often use power, and when it is employed, it is not easy to overcome it. The Midrash teaches us that when power is met with empathy, consideration and compassion, it collapses and retreats.

The news of liberation comes to the slaves of Israel – but they are unable to hear it.