Marvel at the profound impact that adopting parents often have upon the life of their adopted child.

As is well known, while Moses grew up in the lap of luxury, in Pharaoh’s palace, it is Moses’ concern for his fellow Jew and their suffering as well as his care as a shepherd that are noteworthy. Both represent two of Moses’s most endearing qualities that were instrumental in being chosen by the Almighty to lead the Jewish people. Was it Yocheved, Moses’ biological mother or Bithia, his adoptive mother who was primarily responsible for developing and nurturing these attributes?

To help answer this question, read this enlightening analysis entitled, “The Making of a Concerned Jewish Leader” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Shemot 5783-2023. Out of respect for the Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.