* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
As we begin to read the Book of Shemot, tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets to protest against one of the most brutal regimes in history. We pray that they succeed in their fight.
This past Shabbat, throughout the Jewish world, we read Parashat Shemot, which describes how the oppressive, murderous regime of Pharaoh is on the verge of collapse.
God determines the course of history and evil regimes are fleeting. In the end, a small nation of slaves is able to free itself from the grip of Pharoah.
No, we do not have Pharoah’s power— but we do have God. We have spirit and faith that will ultimately overcome evil. And we are not only leaving Egypt; we are heading to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah.
This is not ancient history; it is the history of mankind struggling to release itself from all forms of oppression.
Rav Kook wrote: “The exodus from Egypt will eternally remain the springtime of the entire world.”
From the weekly parasha to the ongoing demonstrations in Iran: May we merit to see the arrival of spring throughout the world.
