Shmot

 This week's portion tells a story often repeated throughout history: The Jews become prominent and numerous. There arises a new king in Egypt "who did not know Joseph" (perhaps he chose not to know Joseph or recognize any debt of gratitude). He proclaims slavery for the Jewish people "lest they may increase so much, that if there is war, they will join our enemies and fight against us, driving (us) from the land." 

Moshe Rabbenu is born and immediately hidden away because of the decree to kill all male Jewish babies. In mortal danger he is set into a basket on the Nile River and sent out into the current with a prayer from his mother and sister that God would care for the infant.  Moses is pulled from the Nile by Pharaoh's daughter. The man grows up as a prince in the royal household.  One day Moses goes out to see the plight of his fellow Jews. His soul awakens to the cry and pain.  He kills an Egyptian beating a Jew.  Fearing that his identity was discovered Moses fled.  He escapes to Midian when the deed becomes known.  Finding himself in the care of a kind family Moses becomes a shepherd with them.  He marries a daughter of the shephered.  Her name is Zippora.  Commanded by God at the Burning Bush to "bring My people out of Egypt," Moses returns to Egypt.  There in the court he once played in Moses confronts Pharaoh who refuses to give permission for the Israelites to leave.   Then God says, "Now you will begin to see what I will do to Pharaoh!"