Living Torah

Parshat Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1)

By Rabbi Debra Orenstein

URL: http://www.jewishjournal.com/torah_portion/article/living_torah_20041231/

Imagine yourself forgotten, without anyone to protect you. Ruling powers are oppressing you and killing your children. The purported

"reason" is economic, but a deep hatred based on mere difference underlies this attempted genocide. Helpless, you cry out. Who, in heaven and on earth, will hear your cries and move to save you? Awaiting relief, what do you do?

Now, imagine that you are privileged -- a son or daughter of the ruling class. Your life is comfortable, even luxurious. You witness the sharp contrast between your situation and the suffering of the underclass. They are slated to die, and your cooperation, whether tacit or overt, will help make it happen. What do you do?

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Comments:	A friend has recommended you read the following from The Jewish Journal... Living Torah Parshat Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1) Imagine yourself forgotten, without anyone to protect you. Ruling powers are oppressing you and killing your children. The purported "reason" is economic, but a deep hatred based on mere difference underlies this attempted genocide. Helpless, you cry out. Who, in heaven and on earth, will hear your cries and move to save you? Awaiting relief, what do you do? Now, imagine that you are privileged -- a son or daughter of the ruling class. Your life is comfortable, even luxurious. You witness the sharp contrast between your situation and the suffering of the underclass. They are slated to die, and your cooperation, whether tacit or overt, will help make it happen. What do you do? http://www.jewishjournal.com/torah_portion/article/living_torah_20041231/ Sign up for our free email news alerts at http://www.jewishjournal.com/email.

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