Shemot: Birth of a Leader
Dear Friends,
Searching for lost puzzle pieces and wiping up spills: As I care for my little ones, these are the types of tasks that fill my day. Maybe I should be spending my time on more important things, I wonder, as I build block towers that will be knocked down a moment later.
And then my mind wanders to Moses. The greatest prophet who ever lived, he redeemed the people of Israel from Egypt and received the Torah from G‑d at Mount Sinai. Quite an impressive resume, I think.
I picture Moses earlier in his career, a shepherd carefully tending to the needs of his flock. I see him in my mind’s eye, following a runaway sheep for miles, finally catching up with it at a body of water. “If only I had known that you were thirsty!” Moses exclaims, as he tenderly lifts the sheep on his shoulder and carries it back. Said G‑d, “This compassionate shepherd will care for My flock as well.”
There are endless opportunities in an ordinary day, so many chances to extend a caring hand. So when voices call out in need, I try my best to emulate Moses as I answer with a smile. And I know that what I am doing is really important.
Rochel Chein,
Responder for Ask the Rabbi @ Chabad.org
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