Moshe and Tzipporah

Found 11 Search results

1. The Well Scene: A Betrothal

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   This shiur follows the theme of a man from a foreign land meeting a woman at a well, and their meeting resulting in marriage. We will explore the unique qualities of each story. Ruth and Boaz do not meet at a well, but their unusual meeting does lead to marriage. What makes the story unique is that the female protagonist in the story is from a foreign land, instead of the man, and she is the true heroine of the story.

2. Finding a Marriage Partner at the Well

   Rabbi David Silverberg

3. Moses: A Biography - From a “Hiding Face” to “Face to Face”

   Rabbi Alex Israel |

   What is unique about Moshe Rabbeinu? When we examine the character of Moshe we can notice a unique dichotomy – he was the greatest prophet who ever lived, while also was the leader and judge of the Jewish people in the desert. How do these two characteristics fit together? How was he able to be a prophet, separated from the people, while also be an advocate for them and live among them as well? By examining various texts describing Moshe’s experience and personality, we can learn how Moshe indeed successfully mastered both roles simultaneously, which made him the ultimate leader of the Jewish nation. 

4. From Egyptian Prince to Israelite Redeemer

   Rabbi Ezra Bick

   It is a commonplace of rabbinic commentary that Bereishit is the story of individuals - the avot - and Shemot is the story of a people. 

   Obviously, there is one outstanding personality in Sefer Shemot; however, while Bereishit can be fairly characterized as the history of individuals, it would not be correct to say that the central theme of Shemot is the life-story of Moshe.  Nonetheless, as we examine the stories in Parshat Shemot, we see that there can be no question that the individual personality of Moshe is an important focus of the story of the exodus, as it is a crucial link in the development of the people of Israel. 

5. Tzippora

   Rabbanit Sharon Rimon

   Why does Moshe agree to stay with Yitro in Midyan, and to marry his daughter Tzippora? Is his settling in Midyan motivated solely by his fear of Pharaoh's sword? What is the meaning of his being cut off from Bnei Yisrael for such a lengthy period?

   Through a close examination of the text we learn that Tzippora’s connection with Moshe expresses the special spiritual bond between Moshe and Yitro, a bond that nurtured spiritual growth (for both of them).

   It is Tzippora who underlines, through her actions, the importance of the covenant between God and Israel, as an essential element in redemption.  It is also she who is prepared to pay a personal price – to separate from her husband – in order that he will be able to "meet God," and to fulfill his mission.

6. “For the God of my father has been my aid and saved me from Pharaoh’s sword”

   Rabbi Gad Eldad

   We would expect that when God entrusts Moshe with the mission of bringing Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt, it will feel like a perfect fit. As the figure who made the first move in saving Bnei Yisrael from the Egyptians, it seems only natural that Moshe should be the one to complete the task.

   So why does Moshe try to evade his mission?

   Through a close examination of the story of Moshe, as well as a comparison between Moshe and Yosef’s life stories, we can reach a deeper understanding as to the nature of Moshe’s initial refusal of his mission. 

7. God's People or Moshe's?

   Rabbi Meir Spiegelman

   The episode of the golden calf was one of the gravest sins committed by Am Yisrael. This is the only sin where God promises Moshe that the punishment will be felt for all generations. As a result of this sin the Tablets of the Covenant are shattered, and they are lost – in that original format – forever. However, this sin carries with it another serious ramification- a rupture between Am Yisrael and God, and their transition from “God’s nation” to “Moshe’s nation”. 

8. Moshe's Family

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   One of the most mysterious subjects in the Torah concerns Moshe's family. There is nothing strange about the fact that the text talks about this great leader of Am Yisrael more than it does about any other person. But it is specifically in light of the extensive documentation of his leadership career that the lack of details about the members of his family, and the mystery surrounding the very little that we are told, stands out even more starkly. Through a close analysis of the text we attempt to explore what we are told about Tzippora, Gershom, and Eliezer, and perhaps also attain an understanding of why the discussion of these characters is so sparse and brief.

9. Moshe, Aharon, Miriam and the "Kushite Woman"

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   What is the subject of the story of Moshe, Aharon, Miriam and the "Kushite Woman" that concludes our parasha? The story contains so many elements that it becomes difficult to decide which is the most important, and what the parasha is teaching us. 

   What is the main message of the story, creating a common denominator for all the diverse elements included in it?

   Through a close examination of the text, as well as its division into two halves, allows us to contrast various elements of the story, and come to understand the change of status in the sibling triangle, demonstrating the positive effect of the punishment on Aharon and Miriam's perception of their brother Moshe.

10. The Episode of the Cushite Woman

    Rabbi Amnon Bazak

    The Torah attaches great importance to the brief narrative concerning the Cushite woman, going so far as to exhort, "Remember that which the Lord your God did to Miriam, on the way, when you came out of Egypt". This narrative raises a number of difficulties:

    Who is this Cushite woman who is the subject of the conversation between Miriam and Aharon, and what is the problem that they are discussing? What is the connection between the two complaints that Miriam and Aharon raise against Moshe? Why is Miriam more dominant in the first verse, while in the second verse, “they said” - collectively? Further on in the narrative, we encounter more questions: Why is only Miriam punished? And why specifically with tzara'at?

    Through an examination of the text, we understand the purpose of this episode-  teaching us about the greatness of Moshe, about the severity of lashon ha-ra, and the praiseworthy example set by Aharon and Miriam, who are not ashamed to acknowledge their sin and to recognize their mistake.

11. Parshat Shemot Part 5: Moshe’s Refusal and Divine Anger: The Beginning of Moshe’s Journey

    Dr. Yael Ziegler | 35 minutes

    This podcast describes the final sign that God offers Moshe, and the difference between this sign and the previous ones, and Moshe’s subsequent arguments. We also explore the cryptic circumcision of Tzipporah’s son and the various interpretations that attempt to explain the nature of this incident. 

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com