Weekly Reading – שְׁמוֹת – Shmot – Names; Exodus 1:1 – 6:1; Isaiah 27:6 – 28

In the shadow of fear, violence, and abuse of power, two figures emerge who continue to shape the world to this day: Moses and Jesus. Born in darkness, carried by courage and love, called not by power but by mission. Comparing them offers a profound insight into what spiritual authority truly entails, then as now.

A new book begins: the second book of Moses, or Exodus. In Hebrew Bible language, it is called Shmot (שמות) – Names. In this book, and especially in this parasha, the weekly Torah portion, a new leader is born: Moses. So much has been said about him, and much more will be said. A spiritual giant, a leader in every fiber of his being. A figure of majesty. Personally, I constantly pray that such a leader may arise again for the people of Israel. May it happen soon, in our days!

This week’s parasha has led me to reflect on how a leader is actually born. What is the moment when...

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