Shabbat Shalom to yall, this week we read Shemot or “names” with the Second Reading being Chapter 1 verse 18 to Chapter 2 verse 10.
Shifrah and Pu’ah continue to defy Pharaoh against all odds as they continue to hold their ground. Yet, Shifrah had another name, Yocheved, the very same Yocheved who was the daughter to Levi. Her daughter Pu’ah, Miriam was nicknamed this because she always make funny faces at the little boys to make them laugh.
Now at 130 years old shed marry Amram, her nephew who was at the time the greatest Torah scholar. This was a big deal because in Goshen Torah study was isolated into small pockets. Since many had fallen into the depression of Pharaoh’s enslavement, the Levites were the only tribe loyal to Hashem. Therefore, the many who’d attended his academy to learn and come to him for any advice was a big deal.
Seeing her beauty and youth restored, shed miraculously conceive and birth a son. Upon this child’s birth many other miracles also occurred, including the one taking the form of a heavenly light which emitted the room itself. In her seeing him in this ethereal luminescence she noticed how he was already uncircumcised. She then understood how special this child was and for the next three months shed hide him from the Egyptian officials. Yet, eventually, shed have to leave the fate of the child to the Nile where it was only then when the child was drawn from the water by the Pharaoh’s daughter Bitya and got his name, Moshe.
The Torah now introduces its author and the greatest prophet who ever lived. One important note is how Moshe was conceived by not one but two Tzadokim. Amran was indeed the greatest Torah scholar of his time, responsible for the passing down of such knowledge when such knowledge was considered taboo. Yet, in keeping loyal to Hashem he persevered in keeping his faith and as a result was immensely rewarded.
Through the actions of Yocheved his wife, was also rewarded for Pharoah had instructed her to kill every newborn Hebrew baby boy. Yet, from her incredible courage countless lives were saved. In saving these lives many generations would issue making the redemption of Jewish people possible. It’s quite befitting that it would be her son who was to lead them all.
Therefore, the merit of action certainly overrides study as a Mitzvot must take precedence over everything. Still one of the greatest conundrums we face is what sort of actions should be taken. It’s not always clear, yet with the proper understanding of Torah knowledge, of the wisdom of the sages it can indeed be accomplished. In understanding the foreknowledge of those before us and how they lived their lives, this can certainly be a template for ours.
Sadly Today in society the act of studying in schools has become twisted with “Gazian Rights” taking precedence over everything else. With academies becoming indoctrinated, it has only opened the doors to much fear, anger, and violence. In calling it as “justifiable actions”, not many are even held with any accountability. Instead, they are mindless slaves who are free to make up their own justifications and laws.
Yet, it’s for this reason why Israel will be victorious, for Israel follows the laws of Torah. With the many scientific breakthroughs it achieves through its scholarly guidance all benefit through Hashem’s word. With the gathering of nations under Israels wing certainly the Messianic Age will come as all will see Israel’s truest glory.
May these 25 hours of Shabbat be a reminder to all of you of how special it is to have the Torah as the Universes guidebook.
Personally for me, the Friendship Circle is the avenue Hashem has deemed for me fit to take. An organization of incredible love, it’s a family where all share a special purpose, inclusivity.
Every year we come together for a very simple purpose, to run and this year the Friendship Circles Team Friendship will be doing that next week in Clearwater, Florida. I am super excited as I look forward to an event of the greatest meaning, with wine, speeches, and Mizvot. May this Shabbat sow our hearts and uplift them with shalom.
Your ‘why’ for volunteering is the personal meaning that sustains your commitment through challenges. For Friendship Circle volunteers, ‘why’ answers often center on the genuine relationship formed, witnessing the impact of consistent presence, and experiencing what it means to be someone’s real friend.
Teens volunteer with Friendship Circle for many reasons: fulfilling community service hours, exploring careers in special education or healthcare, meeting people different from their usual social circle, experiencing genuine impact, and—most commonly—finding that the relationship becomes something they genuinely value.
Discovering your personal ‘why’ involves reflecting on what moves you, what injustices you find unacceptable, who you want to become, and what you want to be remembered for. Volunteering with Friendship Circle often clarifies ‘why’ through direct experience rather than abstract reflection.
Yes. Volunteers with a clear sense of purpose show higher retention rates, deeper engagement, and more resilience through challenges. Friendship Circle volunteers who connect to the mission—not just the activity—create the most powerful relationships with their participants.
Friendship Circle helps volunteers discover their ‘why’ by creating authentic experiences that make purpose tangible. When a teen sees their matched participant’s face light up at their weekly visit, abstract volunteering motivation becomes concrete and personal.