Locusts, darkness, death of the first born… This week we witness the final plagues and their impact on the Egyptian and Israelite people. We witness G-d’s willingness to make difficult choices and to purposely harm some people to let others take steps to freedom.
Parshat Bo demonstrates that our ancestors were definitely not in The Garden of Eden anymore. The harshness and extent of the pain of this parsha reminds us that life has moved beyond the childhood state of little white lies and the teenage competition for parental attention and adult privileges. G-d, and our ancestors, now face the adult life of real choices, ones that involve significant change, sacrifice, and even pain and death to others.
While we can’t begin to imagine how G-d makes such choices, we can reflect upon our own decision process. We carefully consider whether something is a “want” or a true “need.” Perhaps even more importantly, we can determine whether an action is worth hurting, speaking negatively, or taking from others.
Our ancestors’ journey to freedom came at the cost of the destruction of the land and people of Egypt. If we are to learn from Torah, we can strive to move forward without diminishing others. We can speak about our uniqueness without minimizing others’ accomplishments and can work to collaborate to ensure that the needs of others are met along with our own.
Anavah, the Jewish middah (virtue) of “humility” teaches that we each have a unique and important role in this world. The challenge is to balance advocating for our work while not trampling the work of others. Just as a preschool child learns how to both stay to his own mat in circle time and speak to his neighbor, asking nicely for that child to not sprawl onto his mat, we must take time to find language that celebrates our important contributions without belittling the important work others contribute. It is a tricky balance, especially when there seems to be less than enough to meet the needs and desires of all, yet persist we must.
May we learn from our past and always remember that with freedom comes responsibility as well as privilege. May we feel responsible for those around us and think carefully before we speak or act. May our words and deeds serve to elevate others even as we work to meet needs and celebrate our unique contributions to the community. For each time we do we move closer to a world at peace.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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