The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about the holiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief message drawn from the wisdom of Passover. I hope you find these messages meaningful and inspiring. Feel free to share/forward.
30 Days of Liberation: Day 12
Moses stands up for justice, but it costs him. The Prince of Egypt sees an Egyptian beating an Israelite slave and intervenes. This act of protest against the legal order makes him liable for execution, or at least exile. Moses chooses the latter, renouncing all his Egyptian wealth and honor. Sometimes, this is the choice we all must face when confronted with social injustice: do we care enough about righting wrongs for others that we are willing to risk our privilege and our position for the cause? The 19th century Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise, reflecting upon this dilemma, said: “If I used my talents and my position in a politic way, I would soon become rich, and nothing could prevent me from entering upon pursuing successfully a brilliant career. But if I remained true to my convictions, the bent of my nature, then I must be ready to renounce wealth, honors, recognition, and love.” Ultimately, like Moses, he reached the following decision: “Come what may and how it may, I will not swerve a hair’s-breadth from my convictions.” The Passover story invites us, today, to muster a similar kind of courage.
In just 5 days we have raised over 25% of our goal!
The Passover Challenge will only be successful if we ALL participate as generously as possible. Please make a gift today by clicking here or email Faith Kallman or call 804-355-3564 x104.
Dear {{first_name}}, you are receiving this email because you are subscribed to "Messages from Rabbi Knopf." To tailor your subscriptions, click here.
Temple Beth-El 3330 Grove Avenue Richmond, VA 23221
