In this week's parsha we encounter two transformative moments: Yitro (the parshah’s namesake) counsels Moses about distributing leadership, and the revelation at Sinai where we received the Ten Commandments. Both speak to a profound truth about Jewish self-determination, our right and resp…
In Parashat Beshalach, beyond the dramatic splitting of the Sea, lies a verse that speaks to our current moment. At Marah, when the people grumble for water, Gd responds with instruction: “Sham sam lo chok u’mishpat” (There [Gd] established for them statute and ordinance). Exodus 15:25…
This week's Torah portion, Bo, marks the culmination of the Jewish people's master story of liberation. After generations of brutal slavery, after plagues that darkened Egypt's skies and “hardened Pharaoh's heart,” our ancestors finally emerge from bondage into freedom. The Torah doesn't…
In this week's parashah, Vaera, we encounter the four expressions of redemption that form the foundation of our Passover seder. Gd promises: "I will bring you out" (Hotzeiti) from hard labor, "I will rescue you" (Hitzalti) from enslavement, "I will redeem you" (Ga'alti) through mighty acts, …
This week, we begin the Book of Shemot (“Names”) with a story that feels remarkably relevant to our community right now.
The Torah introduces us to the story of the Hebrews’ eventual Exodus from Egypt through two extraordinary women: Shifrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives. Pharaoh comm…
