The Sedra Shemos 5777

This Dvar Torah provides insight into the opening of the Book of Exodus, specifically focusing on the shrewd tactics employed by Pharaoh to enslave the Jewish people. The video explores the commentary of the Ramban, explaining why Pharaoh did not immediately resort to open violence to annihilate the Israelites. Instead, Pharaoh chose a clandestine, stage-by-stage approach to avoid betrayal and gain the support of the Egyptian populace, who initially admired the Jews. The speaker analyzes how Pharaoh levied specific taxes and imposed labor to slowly dehumanize the Jewish people in the eyes of the Egyptians, ultimately leading to total enslavement and infanticide. Finally, the video discusses the broader implication that leaders are only as strong as their followers allow them to be, and will often abandon moral values to maintain power.