What does it mean to grow up? We get a penetrating answer in this week’s parsha.
וַיִּגְדַּל הַיֶּלֶד וַתְּבִאֵהוּ לְבַת־פַּרְעֹה ... וַיְהִי בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וַיִּגְדַּל מֹשֶׁה וַיֵּצֵא אֶל־אֶחָיו וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם The child grew up, and she [Yocheved] brought him [Moshe] to Pharaoh’s daughter... It was in those days that Moshe grew up and went out to his brothers and looked at their burdens. (Shemot 2:10–11)
Twice the parsha says that Moshe “grew up.” Did Moshe grow up two times? If so, what is the difference between them?
The first refers to physical growth. Moshe no longer needed to nurse, and was ready to stay under the care of Pharaoh’s daughter. The meaning of the second growth is indicated by the words that immediately follow: Moshe paid attention to the suffering of his people. That is spiritual growth. Spirituality is about overcoming self-centeredness and being concerned for others.
Hashem is the ultimate giver. As an infinite perfect being, He has no needs. He creates and sustains the world for the benefit of the recipients.
יְקִימְךָ ה׳ לוֹ לְעַם קָדוֹשׁ כַּאֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע־לָךְ כִּי תִשְׁמֹר אֶת־מִצְוֹת ה׳ אֱלֹקֶיךָ וְהָלַכְתָּ בִּדְרָכָיו Hashem will establish you as His holy people as He swore to you, if you observe the commandments of Hashem your G-d, and walk in His ways. (Devarim 28:9)
We become close to Hashem by emulating Him, by being concerned for others.
Standing on one foot, we could say that the purpose of Jewish education is to teach people to be like Hashem. There are countless ways that Maimonides School does this. At this time I want to highlight the physical and spiritual efforts which our students have engaged in to support our fellow Jews endangered by the current war in Israel.
This Shabbat let’s try to show extra concern for all those in our families and communities.
Shabbat shalom! | 
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