Shabbat Shemot 5782
We ended last week’s Torah reading with Yosef entombed in Egypt. That’s pretty much what happens to all of the Israelites once we begin reading Sefer Shemot, the Book of Exodus, this week. A new Pharaoh arises with no memory of Yosef’s economic rescue of Egypt, and he oppresses the Israelites in a variety of ways with increasing cruelty. But Moshe is born and survives against all odds, and God chooses him as the human agent who will announce Israel’s redemption. Moshe’s first confrontation with Pharaoh goes terribly, and Moshe tells God that it was a mistake to choose him. In reply, God says, “Now you will see what I will to Egypt,” setting the stage for the signs and wonders that will appear in the coming weeks’ parshiyot.
My goal in offering the weekly musical scavenger hunt is to entice people to read the Torah portion carefully, as well as to have some fun with music. Even if you don’t care for the video clips, it’s worthwhile to read the parshah anyway! For those who want to play along, why did I think of these songs?
Answers will be revealed after Shabbat ma’ariv and havdalah, which begins this week at 5:10 PM. Remember that during the winter months we are having minhah at 12:20 PM, after morning services and kiddush.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and happy listening,
Rabbi David Wise
Candle lighting: 4:14 PM
Torah Reading: Exodus 1:1-6:1
Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23
