Shemot
Parshat Shemot
This morning we begin reading from the second book of the Torah— Exodus. Approximately 150 years have passed between the time of Joseph and the time of Moses. A new Pharaoh arose who did not favor the Israelites as the previous Pharaohs had, and this new Pharaoh subjected the people to slavery.
First Aliyah Exodus chapter 1:1-17 pp. 317-320
The children of Israel increased rapidly in size of population. Pharaoh decided to subject them to slavery thinking that would reduce their numbers. It did not and he decided to kill all the male Israelite children. He commanded the Hebrew midwives to do so, but because they feared God, they refused.
Second Aliyah 1:18-2:10 pp. 320-323
We are introduced to Moses. When he was born his mother put him in a basket in the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter finds him while bathing and decides to adopt him. Moses’ sister happens to be watching and suggests that her mother nurse the child. Pharaoh’s daughter agrees and names the child Moses - an Egyptian name.
Third Aliyah 2:11-25 pp. 323-326
Moses sees an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew. Moses kills the Egyptian. The next day two Hebrews are fighting. Moses tries to intervene and one says, “are you going to kill me like you killed the Egyptian?” Moses realizes that he has to run away and he flees to Midian in the Sinai peninsula. There he helps some women who are trying to water their flocks. He stays with that family and marries one of the daughters, Zipporah. They have a son, Gershon. In the meantime, Pharaoh dies and the Hebrews are still suffering. God hears their cry and remembers the patriarchal covenant.
Fourth Aliyah - 3:1-15 pp. 326-331
While tending the flocks on Mt. Horeb, Moses sees the burning bush. God speaks to Moses from the bush and tells Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. Moses is told that “I am that I am” has sent him to be their leader.
Fifth Aliyah - 3:16-4:17 pp. 331-335
God tells Moses that He will smite the Egyptians. Moses asks, “What if they don’t believe me?” God gives Moses three signs; his staff turns into a snake, his hands turn white, and if he pours water from the Nile it will turn into blood. Moses further complains that he can’t speak well. God says that He will be his mouthpiece along with his brother, Aaron.
Sixth Aliyah - 4:18-31 pp. 335-338
Moses is reunited with Aaron. They and Moses’ family return to Egypt. In an unusual scene Zipporah circumcises their son, Gershon. In Egypt, Aaron, speaking for Moses, tells the people that God has not forsaken them and they believe him.
Seventh Aliyah - 5:1-6:1 pp. 338-341
Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let the people go to the wilderness to sacrifice to God. Pharaoh says no and adds to the people’s labor. Now not only must they make bricks but they must also gather straw. The people complain to Moses and Moses complains to God. God says, “now you will see my power.”
Maftir - 5:22-6:1 pp. 340-341
Haftorah - Isaiah 27:6-28:13 pp. 343-346
Just as God came to Israel’s rescue in Egypt, so too will the Jews in the time of Isaiah be saved from enemy affliction.
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