Sicha, Shabbos Vaera 5731,
Sicha, 24 Teves 5723
A. Moses’s Childhood
Moses was born into a distinguished family— Amram and Yocheved of the tribe of Levi (Source 1).
Amram was the leader of the generation. This is evident from the fact that during the decree to cast the children into the Nile, all the Jews followed his example. At first he separated from his wife, and the people did the same. Later when he remarried her, everyone followed suit (Source 2).
Moreover, even among the leaders of the generation, Amram was unique in that new mitzvot were introduced through him (Source 3).
In practice, however, Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s palace and was educated according to Egyptian wisdom, becoming immersed in it. He did not receive a Jewish education. And yet, the moment he left the palace and saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, he immediately rushed to his aid, even at the risk of his own life (Source 4).
The lesson for us:
From Moses we learn that every Jew, even one who grew up in a foreign environment or is captive to his negative inclination, is capable of self-sacrifice on behalf of other Jews.
B. The Path to the Fire
After fleeing from Pharaoh, Moses became a shepherd for Jethro. One day he saw the burning bush that was not consumed (Source 5).
How did he arrive at that place? Moses was running after a young sheep that was thirsty for water and cared for it with devotion, and then he saw the bush burning with fire (Source 6).
The bush symbolizes the physical world, and our task is to reveal the fire within the material —holiness and spirituality. And how does one merit reaching this? Through devotion and concern for others.
This is illustrated by the story of the Tzemach Tzedek, who greatly yearned for a revelation of his grandfather, the Alter Rebbe, from the Next World. After he performed an act of kindness for another Jew with self-sacrifice, the Alter Rebbe was revealed to him (Source 7).
C. Without Questions
After Moses delivered G-d’s message to Pharaoh, “Send My people,” Pharaoh intensified the enslavement of the Jewish people. Moses then came before G-d with a complaint: “Why have You done evil to this people?”
G-d replied that the Patriarchs never asked questions—and Moses should learn from them.
The lesson for us:
Even when it appears that our spiritual efforts are not succeeding, we must not despair. Rather, we must continue with perseverance, for in the end the effort bears fruit.
