Marriage and the Parsha

Shemot
(Exodus 1:1-6:1)

Rabbi Y. Benyowitz
(For the groom or bride)

This week’s portion begins a new chapter in Jewish History. This week, too, we begin a new chapter in the lives of our Choson and Kallah. The Jews are about to begin a difficult era as their status in Egypt falls, culminating in the exodus from Egyptian slavery to receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai.

Our parsha begins by taking stock of who came to Egypt. We are told (Exodus 1:1-5)"And these are the name of the children of Israel-all the souls born to Yaakov were seventy souls and Yosef was in Egypt." The Torah had already enumerated (Genesis 47) the seventy souls and included Yosef and his two sons in that count. Why repeat that fact? Indeed, Rashi comments on the need to tell us that Yosef was already in Egypt. He does not comment on the need to tell us who came to Egypt.

The answer lies in our introduction of this time in Jewish history. Whenever a person begins a new epoch and that period will introduce new challenges, that person could use a boost of strength. In many instances, that boost of strength comes in the form of mentioning our forebearers. When we remember where we came from and how we reached this point, it makes the rest of the journey easier. The Torah tells us that Yosef was already in Egypt. Rashi explains that we are being taught that Yosef was in Egypt and nevertheless remained righteous. "He is Yosef who was in Egypt and was able to be successful reaching the status of second to the king."

At this crossroads, as we embark upon a new faze in life it becomes all the more important to look back to our parents and teachers and thank them for bring us thus far. It is equally important to recognize their being the role models to look up to in the past and to draw strength from in the future as well.

Copyright 2001 Rabbi Yirmiyahu Benyowitz and MyJewishWedding.com