Shemot

From Louis Ginzberg, Legends of the Bible (1909)

Midrash explains that Moshe worked on behalf of the Israelites while he was a prince in Pharaoh's court, reminding us that we do not need divinely-appointed powers to work for justice:

The sight of his enslaved people touched Moses unto tears, and he spoke, saying, "Woe unto me for your anguish! Rather would I die than see you suffer so grievously." He did not disdain to help his unfortunate brethren at their heavy tasks as much as lay in his power. He dismissed all thought of his high station at court, shouldered a share of the burdens put upon the Israelites and toiled in their place. He gained the favor of Pharaoh, who believed that Moses was taking part in the labor in order to promote the execution of the royal order.

Moses made use of the royal favor to lighten the burden laid upon the children of Israel. One day he came into the presence of Pharaoh and said: "O my lord...it is an admitted fact, that if a slave is not afforded rest at least one day in the week, he will die of overexertion. Thy Hebrew slaves will surely perish, unless thou accordest them a day of cessation from work." Pharaoh fulfilled the petition preferred by Moses, and the king's edict was published as follows: "To the sons of Israel! Do your work and perform your service for six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest." And the day appointed by Moses as the day of rest was Saturday.

Return to Reb Laura's "Taste of Torah" list.

Return to "Teachings from Our Rabbis and Friends" list.

---

[ Home ]	[ Asiyah ]	[ Yetzirah ]	[ Briyah ]	[ Atzilut ]	[ Calendar ]
	( Doing )	( Feeling )	( Knowing )	( Being )