Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational family,

Three consecutive events in Parshat Shmot illustrate the rise and development of Moses as a leader. In the first case, Moses witnesses an Egyptian beating up a Hebrew, and Moses intervenes. In the second case, Moses witnesses two Hebrews quarreling, and he intervenes. In the third case, Moses witnesses a bunch of shepherds accosting the daughters of Yitro, and again, he intervenes.

In contemporary terms, where a non-Jew and a Jew are involved; where two Jews are involved; and where both parties are non-Jewish; Moses demonstrates leadership and responsibility. Regardless of the religious, cultural background, or ethnicity of the aggressor-victim, Moses does not stand by passively. Even his measure of response matures from one situation to the other. In the first, he kills the aggressor. In the second, Moses becomes susceptible to slander and gossip. In the third, Moses saves the victims and moves on.

Truly, these three vignettes serve as role models for the kind of leaders we and our institutions can all be.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison