We pray for the fall of the evil Iranian regime. Anyone who wants to stand on the right side of history is invited to the Torah reading on Shabbat morning in all synagogues throughout the Jewish world. No, this is not a demonstration, but it is a reminder for clear consciousness: the Exodus from Egypt begins in the Torah portion, the Exodus from Egypt begins in reality.
It's not just Iran. Recently, it seems reality has been running at double speed:
Just two weeks ago, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was still sleeping peacefully in his bed in the capital Caracas, shortly before he was captured in a daring operation. Years of a regime that was all about violence, drugs, and terror – collapsed in an instant. It's possible, and boom, the former president is already arriving in prisoner's uniform and chains to a courthouse in the United States.
And Syria? It's inconceivable, and probably flies a bit under the radar for most Israelis, but Israel and Syria are now conducting direct contacts toward an agreement between them. Senior American officials are talking about a real peace agreement between Jerusalem and Damascus. The murderous Assad regime was synonymous with Syria for decades. Who thought it would disappear like this in our generation, who thought it would happen so quickly. Another regime of Israel-hatred, which is always also bound up with crime and evil and oppression, collapsed into itself, thank God.
Therefore, the Book of Exodus that we're reading now in the Torah can give us the most accurate interpretation of our time. Our commentators teach us that on the personal level, on the national level, and on the global level, we must constantly exit from Egypt. Topple regimes of evil, topple our internal enslavements. And our destination in the Torah portion is not just to leave Egypt for freedom – but to reach Mount Sinai, to receive the Torah.
Wishing besorot tovot to the Iranian people, soon, and to all of humanity. Shabbat Shalom.
