Hi,

We did it!  Finished the Book of Genesis!

Jewish tradition says, “Nothing gives G-d greater joy than when we finish a part of His Torah”!

Because the Torah is G-d’s “Love Letter” to the Jewish People.

And He loves when we study it!

… Exodus begins with the death of Joseph and his brothers.

And the Jewish future would seem pretty promising.

After all, Joseph saved the Egyptian Empire from starvation.  They owed him everything!

You would expect them to treat Joseph’s descendants like royalty.

But what happens?

There was a “regime change.”

“A new king arose.  Who did not know of Joseph.”

And the persecution of the Jews began. (1-15)

No one remembered!

… Jewish tradition says that what happens to our ancestors in the Torah?

Is a sign of the Jewish future.

And sometimes it’s uncanny!

There have been times when Jews have felt secure about their future.

Why?

Because they contributed so much to their society.

And expected to be respected and accepted.

But things turned out differently!

… Albert Einstein had so much to contribute.  But he understood.

Here’s what he once said.

“If my theory of relativity turns out to be true?

Germany will declare me a German.  And France will declare me a citizen of the world.

But if it turns out to be wrong?

France will declare me a German.

And Germany will declare me a Jew!”

… In Judaism, appreciating kindness done to us is a fundamental obligation.

And when we read about Egypt’s lack of gratitude?

It’s a good time to remind ourselves.

A good time to sit down and write that thank you card!

All the best,