Do you ever wonder which Biblical personality relates to you the most?
Take this weeks Torah portion for example; Vaeira, Moses'
confrontation with Pharaoh and ten plagues. There are so many
personalities to choose from, that it sometimes seems difficult just
making the story relevant to ourselves.
Am I Moses? Do I possess leadership qualities? Am I a loving shepherd,
who dedicates his/her very life to those who follow, demanding justice
and freedom from oppression.
Am I perhaps Aharon, the brother of Moses? Do I choose to follow the
leader around, serving him faithfully? Offering my support and
dedication to the mission, but yet, not being the one fully
responsible for whatever outcome will be.
Perhaps the Jewish slaves? Do I relate more with the victim who is
oppressed day in and day out without the hope or dream of better days?
Do I depend heavily on those who choose to be the Moses' in order to
better my life, or do I go out and make it happen?
How about Pharaoh (G-d forbid)? Do I see the world around me as my
personal property to do with it as I wish!? Is G-d but a long-lost
ancient idea of Bubbies and Zeidies, abandoned in the ashes of
historical beliefs and traditions, while the here and now that I
choose to live with is myself, the Nile and the Egypt around me?
Perhaps, the Torah mentions all of these personalities because they
each play a role in the small world called 'me'. Within me I can
experience moments of righteous leadership, commitment and dedication,
vulnerability and enslavement or even self centered and selfish
confidence without leaving space for G-d.
If that is the case, then this week's Torah portion surely is giving
us a message. It may just be telling us the exact route that must be
taken if we wish to leave our exile and be free from our enslavement
to the Pharaoh.
Of course, Moses must take charge, Aharon must assist faithfully to
his brother, the Jews must prepare for a grand-slam exodus out of
Egypt and Pharaoh together with his cronies had better prepare for
what's coming... Because with the help of G-d, even miracles can
happen and we can break free from our physical, emotional and
spiritual bondage that limits us to what we can truly become.
So go ahead, read the Torah portion and find the message that speaks
to you, empowers you and helps you finally break free of your Egypt.
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