“[Rabbi Hillel] used to say: If I am not for me, who will be for me? And when I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, then when?” (Carmi). More exactly, whereas it’s of ultimate importance to provide self care, it’s equally essential that we step forward to help ease others’ burdens. Unlike “the chasida, [that] only does chessed with its own kind to the total exclusion of all other creatures. In contrast, [‘]your life comes first[’] does not preclude giving to all kinds of people” (Gefen).

In “Parsha Shemot,” we are shown the magnitude of bigheartedness by the examples provided by Hashem and our forefathers. Recall, that while “many interpersonal mitzvot are rational, G[-]d chooses to command their performance, essentially making them mitzvot bein adam la-Makom” (Zimmerman). We read about both sorts of mitzvot in this parsha.

In the first aliyah, Hashem increases Am Yisrael. He makes generations of Hebrews extraordinarily fertile. Additionally, although under duress, in this segment, the Hebrews enlarge Egyptian supply centers. Both Hashem and Am Yisrael extend themselves.

In the second aliyah, two midwives, Shifra and Puah, are reprimanded for not following Pharaoh’s orders. Unbeknownst to that ruler, the midwives expanded their assistance to birthing women such that they protected Hebrew male infants. Consequently, Hashem augments those women’s “houses.” Here, Hashem’s largess is a tacit template for our own.

As well, in this aliyah, Miriam argues that without marriage, female Hebrew babies, too, would be endangered. She amplifies herself by encouraging her parents, and thus all sanctified pairs of adult Jews, to remarry or to stay married. When she reunites her parents, i.e., the leaders of their generation, she subsequently enables our people to birth more generations. For us, marriage is fundamental.

We hold that one is

betrothed (mekudeshet) [with] a ring according to Moshe and Yisrael…The word “kadosh” means to be completely separated, or consecrated. [‘]Behold, you are betrothed to me[’] means that [you are] designated and reserved for me…We mention Moshe Rabbeinu and Israel in the language of the Kiddushin, as a subtle reminder to the husband of the significance of what is occurring at that moment; that after this woman has separated herself from all other women for your sake, you are now obligated to behave towards her according to Torah law — referencing Moshe Rabbeinu’s behavior towards the people of Israel (Cohen).

Later, in this section of Torah, Miriam safeguards Moshe even as Batya, the Egyptian princess, saves him from future harm. What’s more, Moshe’s mother broadens herself to become Moshe’s “wet nurse.” All of these women make compassion vital to their lives.

In the third aliyah, Moshe kills an Egyptian who was brutalizing a Hebrew as well as intercedes between two combatting Hebrews.

Concerning the issue of one who is engaged in one mitzvah that he is exempt from another[, this exemption is only] if he is engaged in a mitzvah between man and his Maker…However… the ultimate end that would serve his fellow cannot be pushed aside because one is engaged in a mitzvah directed toward one’s Maker (Sperber).

Likewise, Moshe intercedes at a well in Midian, where Yitro’s daughters are being bullied when watering their sheep. Afterward, Yitro makes himself and his family’s hospitality available to Moshe. It remains the case that “the [‘]social[’] mitzvah[ot override] the [‘]ritual[’] one[s]” (Sperber).

In the fourth aliyah, Hashem outstretches Himself, i.e., reveals, Himself to Moshe at the burning bush. Similarly, Moshe yields himself in becoming a servant of Hashem. Removing his shoes is the first of many steps taken by Moshe to revere Hashem. His deeds bring him to a place of “correct action,” viz., ultimately, to a place of blessing.

See that I am placing before you today a blessing and a curse. The Hebrew word נותן translated as [‘]placing[’] implies a generous gift (Bava Basra 53a). Seemingly, the possibility of [‘]the curse[’] is the opposite of generosity [f]or the ultimate purpose in mentioning a curse is that man [can] reach more consummate achievement in the sphere of holiness (Touger).

Principally, Hashem rewards mitzvot.

In the fifth aliyah, Hashem promises Moshe that Aaron will open himself out, meaning that Aaron will meet him in the desert during Moshe’s family’s journey and will aid Moshe in Egypt. Moreover, Hashem once more reveals His supernal nature upon promising miracles. More precisely, Moshe’s staff will be transformed into a snake and then returned to its original form. Second, Moshe’s hand will become afflicted by leprosy and then the disease will disappear from his flesh. Third, Aaron will transform the water of the Nile (and all contained water) into blood. Wonders in the world will increase.

In the sixth aliyah, Yitro confers blessings on Moshe when Moshe announces his plans to revisit Egypt. He has become well-disposed toward his son-in-law since Moshe was gracious when living among Yitro and his kin.

[T]he vibes [sic] that you give off will be felt by [antagonistic family members]…If you[, instead,] have feelings of warmth towards an individual, they will reflect those feelings and have them towards you. [Alternatively,] if you have feelings of resentment toward [an] individual, they will automatically, instinctively, in their heart have those (Kerzner).

Furthermore, in this aliyah, Tziporah includes, in her scope, her and Moshe’s second son, Eliezer, when she performs that infant’s brit milah en route to Egypt. Various allies support Moshe’s cause.

In the final aliyah, Moshe and Aaron approach Pharaoh to demand that the Hebrews’ enslavement be ended. They speak on behalf of Klal Yisrael.

To boot, this aliyah references Hashem’s promise of retaliation. Even when we’re united and are actualizing our histadlut, we humans necessarily rely on salvation from Hashem.

All in all, this parsha refers to Jews’

performance of the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. When Moshe told the Jewish people about the giving of the Torah, they responded yachdav — together — and said, “Everything that Hashem has spoken na’aseh — we shall do” (Shemot 19:8). The Torah emphasizes that they responded yachdav — together — because it is really impossible for every Jew to perform all 613 mitzvot on his own (Carmi).

We need to help each other and to beseech Hashem for help. We must be fidel to Hashem and we must support each other. The mitzvot of bein adam le-chavero and bein adam laMakom are central to our lives and to this parsha.

Sources:

Carmi, Nachshon. “If I am not for me, who will be for me?” [sic]. Pirkei Avot 1.14.            Sefaria.org. Worksheet. 23 May, 2016. sefaria.org/sheets/35125.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Cohen, Rav. Zamir. “A Deeper Approach to Marital Harmony.” Hidabroot. Nov. 7, 2019. hidabroot.com/article/197164/A-Deeper-Approach-to-Marital-Harmony. Accessed 29 Nov. 2019.

Gefen, Rav. Yehonasan.”Who Comes First.” Aish.com. aish.com/118005589. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.

Kerzner, Rav. Aryeh. “Toldos: The Incredible Trick of Rav Chaim Volozhiner in Dealing With Your Enemy.” Ben Adam Lechaveiro (30). Halacha Shiur.com. halachashiur.com/podcast/toldos-the-incredible-trick-of-r-chaim-volozhiner-in-dealing-with-your-enemy. Accessed 28 Nov. 2019.

Sperber, Daniel. “Interpersonal Mitzvoth and Mitzvoth Between Humans and God.” Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals. jewishideas.org/article/interpersonal-mitzvoth-and-mitzvoth-between-humans-and-god. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.

Touger, Rabbi  Eli. “The Power of Sight: Re’eh.” Adapted from Likkutei Sichos. Vol. IV,  1339ff; Vol. XV, 44; Sefer HaSichos 5750, 631ff;  Sefer Sichos 5751, 767ff; and Sichos Shabbos Parshas Re’eh, 5745. Chabad.org. chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/82733/jewish/In-the-Garden-of-the-Torah-Reeh. Accessed 20 Jul. 2023.

Zimmerman, Rav. Binyamin. “Difference in Obligation between Bein Adam Le-chavero and Bein Adam La-Makom.” Israel Koschitsky Torat Har Etzion. 17 Jan. 2016.            etzion.org.il/en/philosophy/issues-jewish-thought/issues-mussar-and-faith/difference-obligation-between-bein-adam-le. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.