By: Brandon Rattiner
Senior Director, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
This week’s Torah portion, Shemot, reminds us of the Jewish people’s enduring ability to recover from catastrophe. The parsha begins in tragedy, with Pharaoh’s cruel decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys, but it ends in hope, with G-d’s promise to free the Israelites from slavery. This journey from despair to redemption is not only the heart of Shemot—it is central to the story of our people.
The parsha also teaches us that redemption requires strong leadership. Moses’ path to becoming a leader was far from smooth. He fled Egypt after a rash act of violence, faced rejection from his own people, and resisted G-d’s call at the burning bush. Yet through humility, perseverance, and faith, he grew into the leader who would guide his people to freedom. Moses’ story reminds us that leadership is a process of growth, not perfection.
Today, we are in a moment of both crisis and hope. The recent ceasefire offers a critical opportunity—for the safe return of hostages, the alleviation of suffering, and the possibility of a brighter future. I pray that our leaders, like Moses, will rise to this moment with the courage, strength, and vision needed to turn this hope into lasting progress.
Please email Brandon Rattiner at brattiner@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.