Welcome back to “In Imma’s Eyes” a podcast where we journey through the weekly Torah portion and glean parenting insights along the way. 

This week we are studying Parashat Va’era (Exodus 6:2-9:35).  We left off last week with Moses' and Aaron appearing before Pharaoh to ask for freedom for the Hebrew slaves and Pharaoh mocking G-d and increasing the burden of the people.  Moses ask G-d to explain, because he doesn't understand.  G-d says, "Now you will see…” G-d’s might.

I love how patiently G-d recounts the relationships between G-d and Abraham, G-d and Isaac, and G-D and Jacob and how they knew G-d by the name of El Shaddai, not by the four letter tetragrammaton.   G-d says, "I heard their cries and I remembered my covenant." Such a good parent!

This week I also recount a slightly humorous story about my ice skating adventures with #3rdarrow and #4tharrow last week.

Parenting Touchpoints:

* Are we listening?  Do we really see and hear our children?  Sometimes the things G-d allows in our lives bear witness to G-d to the other people around us.  G-d seems to be tangentially concerned with the the Egyptians as well as the Israelites…so that they KNOW G-d, too.  And each plague is designed to display some aspect of G-d contrasted with an object of Egyptian worship.  I often wonder if the Israelite’s faith was faltering during this season, as well. If it was a WWF match it would be: G-d VS The 10 gods of Egypt. Grab the popcorn! 🍿

* I see the bitterness in Moshe’s voice when he sees that the Israelites' spirits are crushed.  Also note:  he doesn't argue with them, or call them names, or tell them they just don't have enough faith.  No, instead, Moses prays for them and advocates "your people are crushed…"  Thank you, Moses:  Good leadership begins with remembering WHOSE people you are leading (Hint: they are not YOURS, Laban! LOL)

One Minute Debate

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!  Let’s pretend you are Moses.  Do you go home when you see that the people aren't listening to you, and neither is Pharoah?  Or do you try, try again?  We know how Moses reacted. But, what would you do?  I can see myself going either way.

Thanks for tuning in: May the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you with eyes that can see G-d’s hand in the intimate details of your life today, and that you may be strengthened but not crushed, by the burdens you bear.  Until next time, Shalom!

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