By: Julie Lieber
Chief Jewish Life & Engagement Officer
It’s always amazing to see contemporary events reflected in our ancient founding narratives. The well-known and triumphant biblical story of The Exodus, in which the Jewish people miraculously achieve freedom after hundreds of years of slavery, forms the backbone of so much of the Jewish collective memory.
And yet, as we read this week’s Torah portion through the lens of current events, Va’Era, a portion that recounts the events leading up to the Israelite’s freedom, the story feels much less triumphant and less miraculous. Moses, serving as the chief negotiator tasked with making a deal with the hostile Pharaoh who has enslaved and grossly mistreated the people of Israel, is faced with an impossible task. Time and time again, he returns to negotiate with Pharaoh, casts damaging plagues on Egypt, which brings Pharaoh to agree to his terms, until the last minute, when he reneges and refuses again to free the enslaved Israelites. This happens no fewer than ten times, with only the final plague leading to their ultimate freedom.
This week more than ever, one can clearly imagine and feel the emotional ups and downs of the enslaved Israelites, hoping for freedom as Moses negotiates and casts plagues. Their hopes are dashed nine times before Pharaoh relents, the final plague frees them, and they escape slavery—before Pharaoh and his army have a change of heart.
The path leading to “The Exodus,” which ultimately ends in miraculous freedom, was not quick, smooth or easy. It involved highs, lows, and everything in between. And this is the founding narrative of the Jewish people and the story that we tell ourselves every year on Passover. As we read this story this week, let us remember that the Jewish people are an enduring, resilient, and strong people. Even when the road feels bumpy, arduous and winding, let us be inspired to continue focusing our individual and communal energies on the freedom that lies ahead.
Please email Julie Lieber at jlieber@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.