God takes no pleasure in the suffering of the sinner. The moral force of this searing reprimand asserts that God cares deeply for all the children of Adam and Eve. They are uniformly endowed with God's imprint, even if they deviate from the paths of justice and righteousness. Ever since, Jews have tempered their own celebration of Passover, which commemorates the exodus. On the other six days, several are omitted in deference to the loss of Egyptian life in the wake of Israel's redemption.
Morality is meant to curb our innate disposition for revenge, no matter how warranted or licit.
The hope of the future must not be held hostage by the horrors of the past. The electronic distribution of Dr. Schorsch's comment on Parashat ha-Shavua has been made possible by a generous gift from the members of Temple Beth Sholom, Cherry Hill, NJ, in honor of Rabbi Albert L. Lewis in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his ordination from the Seminary, and his 50 years as the rabbi of Temple Beth Sholom. Home Browse Talk Shop Sign Up Search Courses Receive the JTS Torah commentary and Shabbat candlelighting times sent to you weekly by e-mail. Click here to sign up for free membership. If you're already a member, Log In .