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Ari Sliffman

Parshah through the Mediator’s Lens – Shemot

As we open the book of Exodus, this week’s Torah portion, Shemot, introduces us to the profound story of the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and sets the stage for their eventual redemption. It is rich with themes of leadership, resistance, and moral courage. Central to this portion are two conflicts that offer valuable insights into the nature of dispute resolution: the defiance of the Hebrew midwives, Shifrah and Puah, against Pharaoh’s genocidal decree, and the exchange between G-d and Moses when Moses challenges G-d’s plan.

Shifrah and Puah: Courage in the Face of Oppression

Pharaoh, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, commands the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. Shifrah and Puah, however, act with remarkable bravery and refuse to comply, offering Pharaoh a clever explanation for their noncompliance: that Hebrew women are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.

This conflict is a stark example of an irreconcilable moral divide. On one side is Pharaoh’s decree, rooted in tyranny and fear; on the other is the midwives’ commitment to preserving life and adhering to a higher moral code. Could a mediator have bridged this gap? Likely not.

Pharaoh’s actions stem from an abuse of power and a fundamental disregard for the humanity of the Israelites. Mediation requires a willingness on both sides to seek understanding and compromise, but Pharaoh’s position was non-negotiable—he sought control and domination at all costs. The midwives, on the other hand, were guided by unwavering moral principles that left no room for negotiation. When one party is driven by oppression and the other by a commitment to justice, mediation becomes untenable. Instead, Shifrah and Puah’s resistance underscores the importance of moral courage in the face of unyielding tyranny.

G-d and Moses: Communicating Through Doubt

Later in the Parshah, Moses, newly appointed by G-d to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, questions why G-d has allowed the Israelites to suffer so greatly. “Why have You dealt ill with this people? Why did You send me?” Moses asks, expressing frustration and doubt about the divine plan.

This dialogue reveals a moment of tension in the relationship between G-d and Moses. Moses’s doubts stem from his empathy for the suffering Israelites and his own insecurities as a leader. G-d’s response is to reiterate the promise of redemption, emphasizing the long-term plan.

Here, a mediator could have played a crucial role in facilitating better communication. Moses’s concerns reflect a need for clarity and reassurance, while G-d’s response focuses on the bigger picture.

A mediator might have encouraged G-d to address Moses’s immediate emotional concerns more directly, perhaps by acknowledging his feelings of frustration and providing concrete steps to bolster his confidence (now, we of course know that this was not G-d’s MO; G-d seemingly prefers things more in the abstract). The mediator could have also helped Moses articulate his doubts in a way that fostered constructive dialogue, ensuring that both parties felt heard and understood.

This interaction highlights the value of empathetic communication and the role a mediator can play in bridging gaps in understanding, even between a divine being and a mortal leader.

Mediation Lessons from Shemot

Shemot reminds us that not all conflicts are ripe for mediation. When fundamental values clash, as with Pharaoh and the midwives, resistance and moral clarity may be the only paths forward. However, in cases where communication and understanding are possible, as with G-d and Moses, mediation can provide a framework for resolving doubts and fostering collaboration.

As mediators, we are reminded that our role is not to impose solutions, but to create space for understanding and dialogue. And as individuals, we can draw inspiration from the courage of Shifrah and Puah and the honest questioning of Moses, both of which teach us about the power of standing firm in our values while remaining open to growth and connection.

Each week, Ari Sliffman, a Jewish legal mediator in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will discuss the week’s Parshah “through the lens of a mediator.”  Ari will focus on one or two sections of the Parshah and discuss how a mediator could have assisted with the relevant conflict.

About the Author
Ari Sliffman is the founder of AJS Resolutions, a mediation and arbitration practice.
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