As we begin our study in Exodus/Shemot, we look at what has brought the Children of Israel to the point that the nation of Egypt has begun to despise and fear them.

We talk about the characteristics that are carried forward from when they first arrived under the auhority of Joseph and how their assimialtion into Egyptian society brings about the ire of the new Pharaoh and his people.

We look at how Moshe, as a member of the tribe of Levi, when acting in his own strength and power only reinforces the nature of his forefather and the final words of Jacob, and that when he is named as Moshe begins to fulfill his destiny as the one who draws those he encounters out of the waters of strife.

We briefly discuss how these two natures embody the nature of Torah and whether it is used to condemn or bring life.