Va'eira וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared
Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35
Exodus 6:14–28
6:14 These are the heads of their fathers’ houses. The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben. 15 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the families of Simeon. 16 These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were one hundred thirty-seven years. 17 The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families. 18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. 19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations. 20 Amram took Jochebed his father’s sister to himself as wife; and she bore him Aaron and Moses. The years of the life of Amram were one hundred thirty-seven years. 21 The sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. 22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri. 23 Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24 The sons of Korah: Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites. 25 Eleazar Aaron’s son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites according to their families. 26 These are that Aaron and Moses to whom Hashem said, “Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.” 27 These are those who spoke to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are that Moses and Aaron.
28 On the day when Hashem spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt…
Today’s Meditation:
This concerns Moses's ancestral line, from the tribe of Levi. What is interesting is the future role of the Levites in the Temple. As we learn, it is a very, very important role. The Levites are responsible for presenting all the services to Hashem in the Temple. They are the ones that get to be in such close physical/spiritual proximity to Hashem. And it begins with Moses. Hashem speaks to Moses, challenges Moses, directs him, and leads him. Why did Hashem pick this special line of ancestry to perform these special duties and to carry out major plans? Was it obedience, dedication, and/or faith? Seems like it would be. What do you think? Why the tribe of Levi?
Today’s Challenge:
As you look at your ancestry, do you see a particular task/role/ministry that Hashem has called you to? Do you have ancestors who were bankers, bakers, construction workers, social workers, professionals, or in other fields? It’s something to think about. What type of gift has Hashem picked out for you and your relatives? In my family, I look back and see creativity (seamstress), hard work (factory), and sales. Interestingly enough, my career has been in social work. Whatever your family’s gifts are, it is essential to look at them and praise Hashem for them. Then, make sure to cultivate your gifts and share them with your children and grandchildren.
