I am very excited for the opportunity to share words of Torah with you. Each week, in this spot, I look to share an idea I've found that speaks to me and that I think will resonate with you as well. This week, I share with you an excerpt of an article by Rabbi Menachem Weiman entitled "Limitations and Definitions" - a deeper understanding of the lessons the Jewish people gained in Egypt.
Every proper noun in the Torah has a meaning. The Hebrew word for Egypt is Mitzrayim, which means boundaries. Consequently, we understand that the exile in Egypt, and subsequent Exodus, was all about boundaries and limitations. We weren't able to serve the Creator because we were enslaved. We were limited.
The Hebrew name of the second book of the Torah is [...] Shmot, which means "names." A name also limits something by defining what it is. But that type of limitation allows the object to fill its potential. When you know what a pen is, it helps you use it to its fullest capacity.
As a nation, the people of Israel lacked a "definition" - until the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. We were missing a true goal and purpose of existence. It was only when we were released from the physical place of boundaries and limitations - Egypt - were we able to receive our purpose. This is not just a historical event, but a metaphor for all time. When you are able to release yourself from perceived limitations, you can access a higher purpose.
Because the midwives in Egypt were willing to put themselves in danger to save the babies from death, they were rewarded with blessings. Also their accomplishments were blessed, as the children of Israel increased in number and strength.
Similarly, Moses took his life into his hands by killing an Egyptian taskmaster. [...] Moses noticed that the children of Israel were ungrateful and gossiped about his deed, which got him into trouble with the authorities. But instead of having a bad attitude, the next time he saw someone in trouble (the daughters of Yitro fighting for water at the well), he stuck his neck out again.
When Batya, the daughter of Pharaoh, saw baby Moses in the Nile, she knew there was no way to reach him. She wanted to save him but recognized her limitation. So she did something that makes no sense. She reached out for him anyway. [...] The Midrash explains that when Batya made the fruitless effort of stretching out her arm to retrieve a baby that was far out of reach, her arm miraculously extended and she was able to reach it.
[...] This week, look for opportunities to question your seeming physical limitations. Find an instance when doing the right thing involves some type of barrier, and try to do it anyway. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Hoping and praying for a Shabbat Shalom in every sense of the term,
Rabbi Davies
Rabbi@SOICherryHill.org
