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Why does the Torah (תורה) emphasize that Moshe was appointed over Pharaoh's household before describing him killing the Egyptian taskmaster? The story establishes Moshe's qualification for leadership by testing whether he would protect individual rights against state abuse. True political responsibility means ensuring that legitimate government interests never involve harming innocent people - even one person matters absolutely.
This shiur provides a profound analysis of the pivotal story of Moshe killing the Egyptian taskmaster, examining it through the lens of political responsibility and moral leadership. Rabbi Zweig begins by questioning why the Torah (תורה) emphasizes that Moshe 'grew up' twice - once physically and once in political rank, with Rashi (רש"י) explaining that Pharaoh appointed him over his household. The rabbi connects this to the Rashi on the Ten Commandments explaining that the Jews were slaves to Pharaoh himself, not to individual Egyptians, concluding that Moshe was essentially appointed as 'Minister of Jewish Affairs' - a Jew placed in charge of Jewish slaves. The central question emerges: what should be the proper perspective of a Jewish official serving a non-Jewish government? Rabbi Zweig argues that Moshe faced the same dilemma as modern Jewish politicians - how to serve the state's interests while protecting Jewish welfare. The Torah teaches that the proper approach is not to favor Jews because they are 'his brothers,' but rather to ensure that legitimate state interests never involve harming innocent individuals.
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Parshas Shemos 2:11-12
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