[JOI Word of Torah] Word of Torah: Va'era

[Kerry M. Olitzky]

"Big Tent Judaism" Word of Torah

January 20/ 1 Sh'vat 5767
Va'era

No matter how many times the Exodus narrative is retold, it remains
compelling. An unassuming Moses-leader of the ancient Israelites-stands up
against Pharaoh, perhaps the most powerful man in the ancient Near East.
Before the first seven plagues are described in this Torah portion, Gd
reveals the Divine name to Moses. While the remaining plagues will be
delivered in the next portion, the number seven alerts us to the special
nature of this group of plagues and in whose name they will be delivered. It
is not simply that Gd tells Moses the name by which Gd should be known-or
reported to Pharaoh as the force behind the plagues. It is in this
revelation that the budding relationship between Gd and Moses-initiated at
the Burning Bush-is further enhanced. And whenever the name of Gd is spoken
aloud, we are brought closer as a result. It worked for Moses; the same can
work for us. This is one of the reasons why speaking the name of Gd is not
taken lightly. It is also how he had the courage to confront Pharaoh. 

The final verse of Adon Olam sums it all up: "Gd is with me and I will not
be afraid." It is for this reason that it is placed strategically in the
liturgy. As we exit the synagogue we should feel bolstered to confront the
world, much the way Moses did. And he was able to do so, because he
understood that Gd was with him. Nothing else-no one else-was needed. Moses
could stand up to anything or anyone.  

This theme is woven throughout the portion since Moses is not alone in his
relationship with the Divine. We take our lead from Moses, and we too are
reassured that Gd's presence will be in our lives. As a result, we will be
redeemed, freed from the shackles of slavery that burden us. That is why the
four promises of redemption are contained in this Torah portion: (1) I will
remove you from beneath the burdens of Egypt; (2) and I will save you from
their slavery; (3) I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and great
judgments. (4) And I will take you as a nation to Me, and I will be a Gd to
you" (Exodus 6:6-7). While they are represented in the seder by four cups of
wine, they are much more than an excuse for excessive wine consumption. They
are repeated for emphasis: even if you find it hard to believe, Gd will be
present in your life. Gd will redeem you as Gd redeemed the ancient
Israelites. 

It may seem like Moses is portrayed as a miracle worker in this portion. But
he simply acts as a channel for Gd in this world. Through him, miracles
flow. Through him, redemption enters the world. But that responsibility is
not left to Moses alone. And that is the message of the portion. The
responsibility is incumbent on all of us. We are all to be channels for Gd
into this world. In order to be such a channel, we have to be in a
relationship with the Divine. 

As one who is working to make the Jewish community more inclusive, I believe
that we are indeed acting as channels for Gd in this world. When Moses led
the ancient Israelite people out of slavery, there were many others who
joined them. They too sought freedom through redemption. And we continue to
welcome them into our midst. 


Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky
Jewish Outreach Institute
1270 Broadway, Suite 609
New York, NY  10001
tel: 212.760.1440
fax: 212.760.1569
 <http://www.joi.org/> www.JOI.org

JOI's National Conference: Opening the Tent: Visions and Practices for a
More Inclusive Jewish Community will be held October 14-16, 2007 in
Washington, DC.  Visit our conference website for up-to-date information
www.JOI.org/conference.
For conference pre-registration, please contact Denyse Gregoire, conference
coordinator at DGregoire at JOI.org. 
JOI-2007-Celebrating our 20th year of Transforming Lives, Transforming
Communities
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