Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
Parshas Shemos
Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section
is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person
"goes up" to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading.
1st Aliya:
The Jews had been in Mitzrayim since 2238. The Parsha begins as
Pharaoh orchestrated the oppression of the Bnai Yisroel. Starting in 2362,
with the birth of Miriam, the oppression began in earnest as newborn males
were drowned in the Nile. The heroism of the two Midwives was rewarded.
2nd Aliya:
Moshe's birth and "basket river cruise" is detailed. He was adopted
by Basya, the daughter of Pharaoh, and raised by his own mother, Yocheved.
3rd Aliya:
Moshe killed the Egyptian but was turned in by his own people.
Forced to flee, he ended up in the house of Yisro. Moshe married Tziporah,
Yisro's daughter, and Gershon, his first son, was born. The year was
approximately 2428, and Moshe was 60.
4th & 5th Aliyot:
Moshe received his mission at the Burning Bush. The Medresh
says that the entire conversation lasted 7 days. At its conclusion, Moshe,
armed with the power of Hashem's promise and the three "signs", was prepared
to confront Pharaoh.
6th Aliya:
Moshe asked Yisro for permission to go on his mission. Along the
way, Hashem attempted to kill Moshe, but Tziporah saves him by giving their
son a Bris Milah. Aharon went to greet Moshe, as per G-d's commandment. Moshe
and Aharon met with the Elders and received their support.
7th Aliya:
Moshe and Aharon unsuccessfully confronted Pharaoh. Pharaoh
punished the Jews by refusing to supply straw for the making of bricks. The
Jewish officers were held responsible and were beaten by the Egyptian
overseers. The Jewish officers confronted Moshe and Moshe then confronted G-d.
Hashem reassured Moshe that his mission would be successful.
Parsha Summary by Rabbi Aron Tendler
