Shmos                                                                                               Jeff Eisman

This dvar torah is in memory of my mother, Faygah bas Chaim Leib, whose yahrtzeit falls around Shmos every year !!   There are many interesting topics that are covered in this parsha. These topics include:  the start of B’nai Yisrael living in Egypt,  the first “ galut”,   a new Pharaoh, the help of the midwives to save Hebrew baby  boys,  the birth of Moshe, the beginning of  slavery, the burning bush, and finally Moshe and Aaron’s  meeting with Pharaoh.

This parsha starts off with the names of Jacob’s children who came to Egypt with Jacob. B’nai Israel prospered and became numerous in the land. As you know, prior to Jacob’s other children coming to Egypt, Joseph was already in Eqypt as the Vice- Roy and considered a hero for saving Egypt from 7 years of famine. 

Unfortunately, a new Pharaoh arose and did not remember what Joseph had done for the people. In a surge of Egyptian nationalism against foreign elements (Hebrews) they started enslaving the Jewish people as well as killing the male Hebrew children. This has been the same sad story for the Jewish people for many generations all over the world.   In Spain, Poland, and Germany amongst other counties,   the Jewish people prospered and were an asset and an integral part to the countries that hosted them. And just like Pharaoh did not remember Joseph, these countries also forgot the positive influences the Jews had in their countries. This resulted in persecution after persecution, culminating with the Shoah. While we are very comfortable and fortunate to be part of the American society, we must never forget our past and be vigilant to not let history repeat itself.