Week 14: Exodus 6:2 - 9:35
Haftarah Portion: Ezekiel 28:25 - 29:21
Summary: The account of the plagues in Egypt, including the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, is recounted. The Haftarah emphasizes God's judgment on Egypt and its eventual restoration, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and God's sovereignty.
Thematic Connection: Judgment and Sovereignty
By Rabbi Patrick Beaulier
Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the Department of Neurobiology
You wouldn’t think that he would have something to offer when it comes to tefillah (prayer), but he does.
Huberman recently “outed” himself as someone who believes in God and who has developed a prayer practice.
What’s interesting about his prayer practice is that it is about his relationship to other people. He thinks about the various ways that he appears in the world (as a child, a teacher, a friend, etc.) and prays for God to give him the ability to be the best versions of those categories of person who he is.
Fascinating!
Regarding friendship, Proverbs 17:17 in the JPS Tanakh states, "A friend is a friend at all times; a brother is born for times of trouble." Additionally, Proverbs 27:9 says, "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice."
Within family relationships such as those between parents and children or among siblings, Exodus 20:12 commands, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."
Concerning employer-employee relations, Leviticus 25:43 advises, "You shall not rule over them ruthlessly but shall fear your God."
For teacher-student or mentorship relationships, Proverbs 9:9 states, "Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning."
Regarding the spousal relationship between husband and wife, Genesis 2:24 describes, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and cling to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
These examples provide insights into the dynamics and responsibilities inherent in various relationships. These examples are also something we can relate to. All of us are friends and family. And even if we never married, went to school or worked a job, we could still wrap our heads around what those roles are.
But what if your relationship was to power? And not only power — but the most powerful person in your world?
That’s where Moses and Aaron find themselves in this week’s parshah.
It’s the parshah where Moses becomes God.
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