CLEAR VISION One of the most powerful moments in the Song of the Sea, which we sing this Shabbat, is the phrase, “This is my G-d, and I will exalt Him…” (Shemot 15:2). This declaration, sung by the Israelites after their miraculous deliverance, holds a key insight into the nature of divine revelation. Rashi, citing the Sages of the Midrash, tells us that at that moment, everyone experienced sublime heights of prophecy. “Even a maidservant saw things at the Red Sea that were not perceived by the prophets Ezekiel or Isaiah” (Rashi, ibid.) This raises a compelling question: what was...

OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE The threat of a plague of locusts, which would completely obliterate the vegetation in Egypt, finally brought Pharaoh to his senses—at least temporarily. In desperation, he summons Moses and Aaron. “You may go and worship in the desert—but who is going?” Moses replies, “With our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our sheep and with our cattle, because for us, it is a festival for G-d” (Shemot 10:8-9). Pharaoh, incredulous, suspects bad faith: “Your evil intentions are clear. Let the men go and serve G-d, for that is what...

TWO KINDS OF STRENGTH This week, two extraordinarily significant events unfolded, each in its own way reflecting the contrasting nature of power and authority. On one hand, we saw the inauguration of Donald Trump, as he assumed the presidency with pomp and flamboyance. On the other hand, was the emotional cliffhanger of the release of three Israeli hostages, Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher, achieved by an agreement that was marked by the extortionate demands of Hamas. The contrast between these events is striking – not only in the sheer scale of power they represent but also in how...

A DEAL If ever we needed a reminder that the messages of the Torah are timeless, we have it today. As I write, we have just heard the hopeful news that 33 of the most vulnerable hostages will soon be released from Gaza, beginning this Sunday as part of the first phase of a three-phase deal. What better introduction could there be to this Shabbat’s reading of Shemot, otherwise known as Sefer HaGeula — the Book of Redemption? The opening chapters of Shemot describe the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt. What began as voluntary participation in Egypt’s building programme...

JOSEPH AND TIKTOK In the Talmud (Berachot 20a), we find the fascinating statement: “The descendants of Joseph are not subject to the Evil Eye.” This is quoted by Rashi in explaining the blessing given to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Menashe in this week’s parasha. Is the concept Ayin HaRa, or the Evil Eye still relevant today? Many people, despite their sophistication, still turn to amulets or red cords to ward off the Evil Eye. But what is the “Evil Eye,” and how can we really protect ourselves from it? The late Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, one of the most influential...