Community Torah Corner - January 9, 2026

This week’s Parashat Shemot marks the beginning of the Book of Exodus. The Israelites, who once lived peacefully in Egypt during the time of Joseph, are now enslaved under Pharaoh’s harsh rule. The Torah tells us that “the people of Israel were fruitful and multiplied, and the land was filled with them.” Instead of celebrating this growth, Pharaoh becomes afraid of their strength and chooses to oppress them. Yet even in this dark moment, the Torah reminds us that God “remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” This teaches us that God never forgets His people, even during times of suffering.

One of the most powerful moments in this parashah is the birth of Moses. Pharaoh decrees that every baby boy born to the Israelites must be thrown into the Nile. In response, Moses’ mother, Yocheved, יוכבד shows incredible courage and faith. She places her baby in a basket on the Nile river, trusting that God will protect him. Moses’ sister, Miriam מרים, stands nearby, watching carefully and ready to act. These actions may seem small, but they change history. Because of their bravery, Moses survives and eventually grows up to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

This story teaches us an important lesson about leadership. Leadership does not always begin with power or status. Sometimes it begins with quiet courage and responsible choices. Yocheved and Miriam were not leaders in a formal sense, yet their actions showed responsibility, faith, and strength. Moses later becomes a great leader, but his journey begins because others stepped up when it mattered most.

Another key theme in this parashah is responsibility. God works through people, not alone. Moses is eventually called to confront Pharaoh, a frightening and overwhelming task. Even though he doubts himself, Moses accepts the challenge. His story shows us that leadership often means stepping outside our comfort zone and taking responsibility, even when we feel unprepared.

This message is especially meaningful for us as students. Leadership and responsibility can show up in simple, everyday situations standing up for a friend, including someone who feels left out, helping a classmate who is struggling, or taking responsibility for our actions at school or at home. We may not always think of these moments as leadership, but Parashat Shemot teaches us that leadership begins with caring, courage, and doing what is right, even when it is not easy.