by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
This week’s Torah portion, the last of 2018 and the first of the book of Exodus, tells of Pharaoh’s horrible instruction to the midwives, commanding them to kill each Israelite baby boy they deliver.
In their refusal to carry out the order, in their resistance, is goodness and dignity, compassion and strength. And in their names – may they never be forgotten – is a lesson for us.
One was named Shifra, the other, Puah. And here is how the great medieval commentator, Rashi, explains their meaning: Shifra comes from the Hebrew word l’shapeir (לְשַׁפֵּר) which means “to make something better” or “to improve.” Puah, says Rashi, comes from a Hebrew root (פוע) that means “to call out.” Whenever she heard a baby crying, Puah would “call out” with words of comfort, soothing the child.
May we strive every day to make ourselves and our world better. When we witness the suffering of another, may we be the ones who call out with words – and deeds – of comfort. And when we see tyranny and injustice, may we, like Shifra and Puah, have the courage to stand up for what is right.
