Weekly D'Var Torah

D'var Torah Va'era

by Judah Rosenstein

D’var Torah – Va’era by Judah Rosenstein

A quick Google search of “People attempting to fix things,” in actuality, produces no posts related to people undertaking repairs. Rather, the search results in pages of links dealing with the general human tendency (traditionally associated with males) to jump right to problem-solving mode while neglecting another’s simple need for empathy in the moment. I was reminded of this idea as I reviewed Moses’ actions in this week’s parasha, Va’era.

The parasha tells the story of the first seven of the ten plagues imposed on Egypt. Over and over, G-d directs Moses to appear before Pharoah and demand that the Jewish People be freed. Before attempting those solution-focused visits to Pharoah, however, Moses first goes to the Jewish People to let them know the good news regarding the end of their suffering. Empathy before action; so far, so good. But the Torah indicates that, “{the Israelites} did not listen to Moses, because of their anguish of spirit and harsh labor.” A perfect opening to then display heightened empathy before trying to fix things, but it appears that did not happen. Moses seemingly says nothing in response and, following G-d’s direction, immediately channels his full energies toward bringing about a solution.

Upon reflection, I believe the following lesson can be drawn from this episode. G-d told Moses that the motivation for the impending exodus was that G-d had seen and was empathetic to the people’s suffering. And, again, the first order of business was to send Moses, with his history of fighting for the people, to approach them with a message of comfort and hope. So, what led to Moses’ change in focus? Arguably, there was an instant recognition on his part that, while the expression of empathy before problem-solving is the most appropriate course of action in many situation-specific crises, the need for large scale communal change consistently demands action without delay.

Of course, this is not to say that the provision of empathy is to be totally abandoned. Realization of a better future must, by definition, be grounded in sensitivity and understanding. But this week’s parasha comes to remind us that, when working to repair the world on a large scale, the display of empathy can come through the display of immediate action. Such action, in turn, will lead to a strengthening of the community’s faith, as well as its resolve to continue moving forward in the face of rejection or adversity. Shabbat Shalom!