Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

This week's Parsha of Shmot introduces us to Moses. Early in the saga, we can discern his growth and development as a leader. The Torah first tells us how the "boy grew," followed almost instantly how "Moses grew." The first statement regards his physical growth, followed by his moral and spiritual growth.

Then we read three scenarios of leadership development. Notice the participants and Moses' response. First, an Egyptian beats up a Hebrew. Moses responds by smiting the Egyptian to death.

Second, two Hebrews are quarrelling. Moses intervenes by talking to them.

Third, Moses witnesses two parties of non-Hebrews. Midianite shepherds are accosting the daughters of Yitro. Moses rises and saves them.

In the third vignette, we can glean that Moses has arisen to save in a larger context. Soon, God will select Moses to rise and save the Children of Israel.

As a leader in training, wherever Moses saw injustice, regardless of the disputants,  he intervened.  As his leadership skills evolved, so did his method of response.

In our own personal, communal, and professional lives, may we learn from the growth of Moshe Rabeinu, Moses, our teacher.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison