In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Bo, we notice that there is a repeated theme of Pharaoh’s heart being hardened by God or by Pharaoh’s own volition.
In the book of Exodus we notice that Pharaoh’s heart is hardened 20 times. What does that term mean, hardened? Well, one possible explanation is that Pharaoh is being stubborn and short sighted and as a result is not able to think clearly so he loses his ability to be compassionate. Thus his heart is “hardened.”
The world we live in today is not that much different from ancient Egypt. There are rulers who are stubborn and often are hardening there own hearts when they do not get what they want. This is very unfortunate because the people become the victims like the Egyptians during the time of Moses and they suffer from the choices of the ruler.
When leaders continue to harden their hearts we must keep ours soft so we can help each other in our greatest times of need. Then we can be better than Pharaoh and live up to God’s vision for who we are as the Jewish people.
Wishing everyone a meaningful reflective Shabbat.
Stay warm and Shabbat Shalom, Cantor Kowitz
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