Parsha

We sat on a bench, and he spoke to me about how Hashem guides everything happening in the world. When we see something unusual, in particular, we should realize hashgacha pratis is at work.

Our sages note that “gemilus chassadim” is an interesting phrase because the root of “gemilus” means to finish.

But the Torah was given to real people, for whom love of the outsider would not always be so obvious.

Many family members of those who died from the pandemic speak of having missed out where their departed loved one is concerned. Nehora did not miss out.

Why were the Hebrews so surprised by the sudden news that they would receive the Torah in the form of a set of laws & a mission for the rest of humanity?

As a result of her effort to remain unobtrusive, she was hardly known among the Rebbe’s followers, which is amazing considering the central role of her husband, the Rebbe, in world Jewry.

Moshe to teach and/or judge the people in the fullest proper way, he would have to learn each person on the fly, quickly get a sense of the litigants in a case, the students in a shiur, and try to individualize his approach

Rav Kreiswirth would say, “This young man is my Gan Eden.”

By two wings a man is lifted up from things earthly: by simplicity and purity. -Thomas Kempis

In the days of radical change and revolution, everyone is swept outside. Private matters are pushed off, family life does not merit any attention, no one thinks it’s time to invest in the home.

Between the smashing of Egypt's military at the Sea of Reeds and the war against Amalek at Rephidim, the Hebrews had to develop a national perception of Emuna in preparation for receiving the Torah.

The Mechilta D’Rebbi Yishmael comments that the Torah can only be elucidated by those who ate from the mahn.

After such a miracle, how could the Jews possibly think about accumulating material wealth?

In the parshah we just read, G-d says to Moshe Rabbeinu: 'And I, too, heard the groans of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians are holding in bondage, and I remembered My covenant.'

What were the necessary steps for Israel to develop a national consciousness ahead of leaving Egypt?

The Rebbe refused to accept his mishloach manos until he promised to control his temper.

He thus encouraged everyone to utilize their talents and natural abilities to influence Jews to reinforce and advance their level of Torah observance.

Rashi and Hazal are telling us Egypt was much closer to current diasporas than we think

Advice for this stressful time: Rav Shlomo Wolbe said that we should pray at the start of the day over crises that we know will come.

All three individuals can do what was previously thought unachievable because their will and resolve unearth hidden strengths.

The ten plagues were part of a deliberate process to educate not only Egypt and Israel but also humanity.

Although I don't know you... I have heard about you that the spirit of G-d shines in you.

This story is actually a brilliant depiction of the interplay between divine providence and free will. Without taking away our ability to “surprise Him,” God – when needed – doesn’t hesitate to steer us in the direction He wants.

Moshe (which means "drawn out”) was drawn out of the water and he in turn drew the people out of the depths of slavery and ignorance into a life of freedom and Torah.

Did Moshe attempt to create a new Hebrew nation that would replace the children of Israel and be born free from the psychological degradation of slavery?

If a diamond is exposed to the heat of a flame for 30-45 seconds and then dropped in icy water, it won’t react to the extreme temperature change.

It is known among all the world’s religions that it is impossible for all members of a religion to be equally careful in observing the religion absolutely with all one’s heart and soul in all details.

A cautionary tale

Every act that a person does makes an impact on the world, whether good or otherwise.

Prayer with such devotion helps and aids one to withstand one’s evil inclination all day, even after prayer, to fulfill all G-d’s commandments, whether avoiding wrongdoing or doing good…for its memory remains with a person in his mind and heart all day.