Parshat Shemot: The Journey Into Slavery Begins
I first wrote this commentary/d'var torah three years ago. However, given the current political situation in our country (and elsewhere) where so many seem enslaved to their own ego or ideology, I felt it was still quite appropriate. Hopefully, the day will come when it will not. Shabbat Shalom, Steve Nathan ________________________________________________________________________________ Parshat Shemot: The Journey Into Slavery Begins This week's parashah is Shemot (Exodus/ Shemot 1:1 – 6:1). The saga of slavery and redemption that we remember each year at the time of Passover, as well as now during the Torah reading cycle, begins with this parashah. The narrative opens by reminding us of the names ( shemot ) of the sons of Jacob/Israel. Then we read that the Israelites multiplied greatly in Egypt. In fact, the Torah tells us that they "swarmed and multiplied and increased very greatly, so that the land was filled with them (1:7)....