Parashat Shemot begins with the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and introduces us to Moses, the unlikely hero of the story. In Chapter 2, verse 12, we read: “He turned this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” This pivotal moment marks Moses’ first act of moral courage: standing up for an oppressed individual, even at great personal risk.
Commentators grapple with the meaning behind Moses’ actions. Rashi emphasizes that Moses “saw no man” who was willing to intervene against the injustice. Moses realised that silence in the face of cruelty was pervasive. Ibn Ezra notes that Moses looked carefully to see the consequences of his actions before intervening, suggesting a deliberative moral process rather than a rash act.
This theme resonates deeply in our own times. Standing up against injustice is never easy. Fear, social pressures, and the risk of retaliation often make silence the more tempting path. Yet Moses’ decision challenges us to recognize the necessity of moral courage, even when the odds are stacked against us.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a towering Jewish thinker and civil rights activist, famously said, “In a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.” Heschel’s words echo Moses’ journey. He reminds us that passivity in the face of wrong is itself a form of complicity. For Heschel, to stand idly by is to abdicate our sacred duty to one another.
Yet, taking a stand is not without its complexities. It requires us to weigh our actions carefully, much like Moses did. It demands self-reflection, bravery, and a willingness to risk discomfort or rejection. But as history and our tradition teach, taking a stand often inspires others to follow.
Consider the example of Moses again. His single act of defiance became a ripple in the larger wave of redemption. His courage, imperfect and fraught with danger, laid the foundation for the Israelites’ eventual liberation. Courage does not require perfection—it simply requires the willingness to act.
Today, we face our own moments of decision. Whether it is confronting prejudice in our communities, advocating for the vulnerable, or speaking up when we witness unfair treatment, we are called to be “upright” in the face of challenges. The stakes may differ, but the moral imperative remains the same: to see clearly, act justly, and inspire others to do the same.
As we reflect on Moses’ first act of courage, let us also ask ourselves: Where can we bring greater courage into our lives? How might our willingness to take a stand spark a ripple effect in our families, communities, or workplaces?
May we find strength in Heschel’s reminder of shared responsibility and courage in Moses’ example, knowing that even one brave act can illuminate a path for others.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth
He still murdered someone! Is this ok?