Rabbi Breit's Blog

This Shabbat we begin the book of Exodus. We read the story of the children of Israel’s slavery in Egypt, freedom from Pharaoh, and long journey towards the land of Israel. Our communal memory brings up vivid scenes of plagues and a parting sea, maybe with a soundtrack of Paul Robeson chanting in spine-tingling baritone, “Let my people go!” But that’s not what Moses says to Pharaoh. He asks for three days off.

Moses asks for three days of freedom for the people to be given a break to go worship God in the desert. He does not ask for much, only a brief respite from their suffering and a chance to worship God. Pharaoh refuses this reasonable request. Then he slanders their character and crushes their spirit by doubling their workload.

Moses hadn’t even wanted to ask for anything to start with. He didn’t think he could manage it, that the people or Pharaoh would listen. He didn’t want the confrontation and he didn’t want the leadership. He refuses this assignment four times until God really can’t take it anymore and gives him Aaron as support. But finally he agrees, knowing he has the position and the resources to serve his people and his God. And so he musters his courage and accepts his responsibility and the risk and challenges that come alongside it.

When Moses returns home to the children of Israel and tells them God’s plan, the people believe in him. They trust him. And they bow low to the ground. At once, he becomes a leader whether he wanted to be one or not; the people need him and he has been sent to plead their cause.

And so when Pharaoh refuses and his slave drivers come down hard on the people, Moses doesn’t throw up his hands and return to Midian. He doesn't defend himself to his people against their criticisms. He doesn't turn their blame on Pharoah saying something like, "Why are you angry with me? It's Pharoah's fault he's a tyrant!" But he turns his face directly to God. Moses says, “Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Why did You send me? Since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and You have not rescued Your people at all.” (Ex. 5:22-23). He holds God to God's own promises and moral standard. This is extraordinary language to use with God. For a man known for his humility, here he is sparking with chutzpah. 

And yet that is just the sort of leadership we need -- an insistence on our own moral standards, a core conviction and knowledge what it is their mission is. Our leaders must be someone who will fight for what they believe in, never too proud to fail, to keep trying again and again, and with little interest in their own status or defending their reputation.

Be humble in who you are and what you think you deserve, but argue without shame or self-effacement when you know your principles have been violated. Shabbat shalom.