Parshat Hashavua

The transformation into a sacred people occurs not through miracles but rather through steady education, discipline and communal reinforcement.

Just as the Israelites maintained their faith through nine plagues, we too should develop our ability to have faith in times of darkness.

By teaching our children about the Exodus, we gain a greater appreciation and more profound understanding of it ourselves.

The glorification of God in the Song at the Sea provides us with several models of attaining spirituality.

The image of God as a nurturer, working with people to bring forth food, allows us to move beyond the violence of the Red Sea crossing.

The manna tested the character of the newly freed Israelites.

God brings the final three plagues on the Egyptians; the Israelites leave Egypt and receive the commandment to observe Passover.

Like the Israelites, modern Jews face the challenge of responsibly establishing new guidelines and directions for the Jewish community.

Just as the introduction of God's new name represents a shift in our relationship with God, our different names and titles also symbolize different relationships and interactions.

Through Moses and Aaron, God brings plagues on the Egyptians, and Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to allow the Israelites to leave.