January, 2008

Parshat Hashavua: B'Shalah Exodus 13:17-17:16

The Shabbat on which we read Parshat B'Shalah is known as Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song, because the Torah reading includes the famous Shirat Hayam/Song of the Sea.

Parshat Hashavua: Bo Exodus 10:1-13:16

In quick order our Torah reading opens with plagues 8 and 9: locusts and darkness. Following plague 8, Pharaoh's courtiers urge him to have a change of heart. Pharaoh nearly releases the Israelites asking Moses who he will take with him. "We will all go, young and old: we will go with our sons and daughters, our flocks and herds, for we must observe the Lord's festival," Moses retorts. Pharaoh suspecting mischief, rescinds his permission.

Parshat Hashavua: Vaera          Exodus 6:2-9:35
 
Demoralized by Pharaoh’s imposition of even harsher conditions as a result of Moses first visit, God urges Moses to return and demonstrate the miracles he can perform.  God warns Moses that God will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will not heed the appeal.  Though Moses can turn a staff into a serpent, so can Pharaoh’s magicians.