In this week's parsha Bo we read about the redemption of the Jewish People from the land of Egypt. There are obviously many things we can learn from this Parsha, but I think it is interesting to focus on one aspect that many times may be missed.

G-d revealed Himself to Moshe at the "burning bush" and tasked Moshe to go redeem the Jewish People. Moshe was very reluctant to carry out this mission. He in fact "argued" with G-d in his refusal until he finally relented. But Moshe's claims and reluctancy were seemingly very rational. Moshe wasn't a young warrior he was already in his 80's, he was a wanted man by the Egyptian Empire which ruled the world, he had trouble speaking, and he was going head-to-head with the an Empire which no slaves had ever escaped. Now he was going and demanding that they release millions of slaves. This is (from a rational perspective) an insurmountable task. Nevertheless Moshe was commanded by Hashem and he followed through. Even though he was met with failure the first time, he went back and repeated his requests. Moshe realized that this was the Will of Hashem, what would happen and whether he would succeed wasn't really in his hands. He needed to try his best even in the face of unrealistic odds.

We are also faced in life with test and tasks which we don't always know or understand from a rational perspective how we will overcome, how will we succeed. We know what G-d wants from us but we many "times just can't do it". We want to keep Shabbas, but we must answer emails or go to meetings. We want to be honest but it will mean losing money etc. We need to follow in the ways of Moshe, even against all odds if we know what the Will of G-d is we must follow it, the rest is not our concern. If He is running the world then we can't lose out from following Him.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath