My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) - B'shalach
Posted by Daniel M. Kimmel on January 16, 2008 | Tags: Beshalach
The Israelites are getting ready to leave Egypt after 400 years, much of it as slaves. And what does Moses do? According to Parshah B’Shalach, “And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph, who had exacted an oath from the children of Israel, saying, ‘God will be sure to take notice of you: then you shall carry up my bones from here with you.’” (Exo. 13:19). You remember the promise of course. It was made just four weeks ago (Gen. 50:25). But wait, it’s only a month later in our readings, but it’s nearly four centuries in the lives of the Israelite community. Think if you vividly remember any commitments made on your behalf in the 17th century and you’ll see how impressive it is that Joseph’s request was remembered, preserved, and passed down. Now at a time when Moses certainly has other things on his mind, it remains a top priority. Some commentators are attuned to the symbolism of this as well: Moses is ready to assume the role of leader of the Israelites, a position which has remained vacant since Joseph’s time.
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Daniel M. KimmelJoined: October 2, 2007 Daniel M. Kimmel is a Boston area film critic, lecturer and author. He does these weekly mini-lessons for the Mishkan Tefila Brotherhood's newsletter. You are free to use them for similar purposes. Divrei Torah (117) |
