Va'eira וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared
Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35
Reading #1 - Exodus 6:2–13
My Thoughts:
Exodus is about the nation of Israel being birthed. Hashem promises to take His people out of Egypt and bring them into freedom -- into the promised Land. And He will do so with an outstretched arm. I’ve often thought of that description of an “outstretched arm” and I believe it means He is holding out His arms to us. Much like when a grandparent holds out their arms for a little toddler, so that he/she can jump into them. It is such a beautiful picture of His unconditional love for us. And that is exactly what He did when He heard the cries of His people in Egypt. He stretched out His arms and said, “Come and follow Me. I will deliver you.”
Challenge:
Do you stretch your arms out to others? Think about the last time you did so. It’s something we need to do more often with those we love, and even with friends. Showing love, and even unconditional love is what will heal our planet. And not only showing, but saying “I love you”. It melts hearts and restores relationships. Just what Hashem wants.
Reading #1 - Exodus 6:2–13
6:2 Elohim spoke to Moses, and said to him, “I am Hashem. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as Elohim Almighty; but by My name Hashem I was not known to them. 4 I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens. 5 Moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 Therefore tell the children of Israel, ‘I am Hashem, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments. 7 I will take you to Myself for a people. I will be your Elohim, and you shall know that I am Hashem your Elohim, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it to you for a heritage: I am Hashem.’”
9 Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they didn’t listen to Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
10 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 11 “Go in, speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.”
12 Moses spoke before Hashem, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel haven’t listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, when I have uncircumcised lips?” 13 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a command to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
