Divrei Menachem

Divrei Menachem for Parshat Sh'mot

Parshat Sh’mot introduces us to the very short account of Moshe’s upbringing in Egypt. A cursory view of this narrative might remind us of one of the classic fables of our childhood in which near tragedy turns out to have a happy ending.

For a healthy baby is born to seemingly anonymous parents - “A man from the house of Levi and… a daughter of Levi” - destined, of course, to be drowned by Par’o's edict. Then, amazingly, no less than the Egyptian king’s daughter rescues the infant from among the reeds and no less than the baby’s true Jewish mother is hired to suckle him.

Behind the surface, of course, we see the hand of G-d, Divine Providence that shapes Jewish destiny. For the parents are indeed prestigious leaders (cf. Sh’mot 6:16-21, Midrash). And of the newborn Moshe it is said that, “He was good” (ibid 2:2). This expression mirrors that employed by Hashem when viewing His creations. So no wonder that the Midrash indicates that when Moshe was born, “the entire house [of Israel] was filled with light.”

Amazingly, Moshe grew up under the wing of the very king who wished to kill Jewish children. To cite the Artscroll commentary: “Many designs are in a man’s heart but the counsel of Hashem - only that will prevail” (Mishle 19:21)

Shabbat Shalom, Menachem Persoff

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