Torah Portion Moses' Sense Of Justice the persecuted, we summon- the courage to challenge an unjust soci- ety. Moses did not ask whether or not he should get involved, for he saw Jewish unity as a necessity. Shalom (peace) is the foundation on which Jewish life and achievement are his week's sedrah intro- built. Shalom bayit — peace at duces Moses and his home — is a prerequisite for - entire family. We learn Shalom al Yisrael — peace upon about the character of Israel. Shalom bayit is a critically Moses from his decisive and dra- important Jewish goal that we have matic actions. not yet achieved, either in our The Torah provides three homes or in our Jewish instances where Moses communal family. As we intervenes to save an inno- meet the critical issues of cent victim from an attack- our time, we need to er, each one an archetypal counsel together to coor- situation. dinate our response and to Moses first intervenes support the duly elected when he sees "an Egyptian leaders of Israel. beating a Hebrew, one of Communal strife is a his kinsmen." This is a luxury Jews have never clash between a Jew and a been able to afford. non-Jew. Later, he tries to When Moses flees and RABBI IRWIN stop "two Hebrews fight- heads for Midian — outside GRONER ing." In the third case, he the jurisdiction of the Special to the defends the seven daughters Egyptians — he has an Jewish News of the priest of Midian encounter at a well and pro- from the shepherds who tects the Midianite maidens came to drive them away. from their everyday victimization. In all three, Moses rose to the Ahad Ha-am wrote that Moses defense of justice — whether the had not learned caution from his culprits were Jews or non-Jews and earlier interventions, despite the regardless of the identity of the vic- fact that "his passion for justice" tims. Because all three cases occur had brought about his exile from within a few verses of one another, his country. As soon as he they serve as a silent commentary approaches another place of human on Moses' concept of justice and habitation — even while he sits by the need for action. the well outside the city, without a Commentators examined careful- friend to offer him shelter — he ly the first case. What do most peo- hears the cry of outraged justice and ple do when they see injustice being immediately hastens to the rescue. perpetrated? They get upset and This time, the quarrel is not angry; they sputter pieties; they between Hebrews, but between people don't get involved. Intervening can entirely unknown to him; but that mean trouble. But, He turned this makes no difference. He helps the way and that and, seeing no man weak women against the shepherds about, he struck down the Egyptian who trample on their rights. and hid him in the sand." The prophet draws no distinction A modern commentator says- between man and man, only Mo.ses sought to find a way to bring between right and wrong. the Egyptian to justice for his crim- inal and inexcusable conduct. But "he saw there was no man" — there was no one to whom he could appeal for justice, since they were all enemies of Israel. Realizing that Can you name some instances the law would not protect the Jew when good intentions turned to in Egypt, he took the law into his bad results? What sacrifices do you own hands. see as reasonable to maintain It is the teaching of Moses that Jewish unity? How can we meet to protect the innocent and defend some of the current issues, bearing in mind the need for Salom bayit? Irwin Groner is senior rabbi of Congregation Shaarey Zedek. INIMMIMWE'Re Atbe.a1W. Shabbat Shemot: Exodus 1:1-6:1; Isaiah 27:6- 28:13; 29:22-23. IT ❑ ' ns Conversatio A BURST OF INSPIRATION Spend one day discovering the excitement and power of your Jewish heritage The Aish Hatorah Discovery Seminar is sponsored by the Dan Family of Canada Can Judaism take the heat of logical, scientific and historical testing? Discovery participants can find out Discovery makes a compelling case for the authenticity of Jewish belief in an atmosphere that is warm, entertaining and non-judgmental. Over 100,000 Jews worldwide have discovered that Judaism has much to say to the contemporary Jew. Invest your time - You'll get a burst of inspiration. Discovery starts Friday afternoon, the 18th of January in Windsor. Seminar at the Shar HaShomayim Synagogue and ends Sunday For costs, accommodations & details call Amy at Aish 248-593-5138 or email us at detroit@aish.com THE URBAN COLLECTION In Fabulous, Fashionable Downtown Ferndale Hirschel and Toni Levine welcome you to fashionable downtown Ferndale. We now offer an eclectic montage of home furnishings as well as handcrafted gifts and jewelry. Come see what's uniquely new, comfortably vintage or just plain funky. 2296 I Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, Michigan 48220 urbancollect@aol.com phone 248-399-9449 fax 248-399-9943 Exceptional Living in West Bloomfield Ch I MN Ey H 1 [1 • Private Entrances • Outdoor Pool • Fireplaces - Luxury 2 Bedroom Apartments from $1145/mo! • Attached Garages • Fully Furnished Apts. Available • Concierge Services • Complimentary Continental Breakfast ONE MONTH FREE! • 24 Hour Fitness Center • Cathedral Ceilings • Pet Friendly 6834 Chimney Hill Drive • 888-710.3692 Open 7 days • chimneyhill@marqnet.com For your best price, selection and personalized service CINDY SCHLUSSEL CHRYSLER Plymouth minim Jeep. Eagle 1/4 2002 43