A Book Like No Other

S6. Ep.3: The Shofar's Meaning: We Missed the Message of the Exodus

18 snips
Sep 9, 2025
Explore the significance of the shofar and the burning bush in the Exodus narrative. Delve into the empathetic identity of God and how it was communicated to Moses and the enslaved Israelites. Discover the pivotal role of the elders, their puzzling absence during key moments, and Moses' evolving approach to Pharaoh. The discussion unveils a shift from a power-centered narrative to one focusing on divine compassion, ultimately revealing how critical miscommunications altered the course for both Israel and Pharaoh.
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INSIGHT

God As The 'Being-With-You'

  • Rabbi David Fohrman argues the burning bush reveals God as a compassionate "being-with-you" rather than merely a powerful rescuer.
  • This empathetic identity is central to Moses' mission and the Exodus' intended message to Israel.
INSIGHT

Why The Elders Matter

  • God instructs Moses to gather the elders so they know God is empathetic and intends to redeem Israel.
  • The emphasis on elders signals a communal, relational approach rather than a solo prophetic intervention.
INSIGHT

Moses' Real Doubt

  • Moses fears the elders won't accept a God who is intimate and empathetic, not that they won't believe any miracle signs.
  • The three signs aim to show God understands hidden crimes against Israel, not just raw supernatural power.
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