As Passover approaches, once again the timeless story of the Israelites, led by Moses, and their exodus from slavery under the Egyptian Pharaoh is being related to young and old. The parting of the Red Sea, 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and many other profound stories are being repeated. Although occurring perhaps 3,500 years ago, the biblical exodus still has significance for those of us coping with 21st century life.
For example, the desires of many people who are poverty and disease stricken and who live under brutal totalitarian regimes to find a better life elsewhere might produce a mass migration or exodus if such were possible. But it is painfully obvious that today's immigration policies and political climate in much of the developed world inhibits, in fact prohibits, any meaningful exodus from taking place.
Closer to home, the last 25 years or so have witnessed a huge exodus of Americans from the Midwest and Northeast to the South and Southwest. While this has understandably resulted from a desire to escape harsh winters and/or to seek better economic opportunities, so called "paradise" destinations such as California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida are reeling under the burden of the staggering overdevelopment in their states caused in no small part by such exodus. Where is Moses when we all really need him?
On a much more micro scale, we are seeing an exodus of various business executives starting with Rick Wagoner of GM and no doubt soon to be followed by some bank executives who raise the ire of Barack Obama--yes, he can be really angry. This type of exodus differs in one tiny respect from the others mentioned above. Only these guys get $20 million or more in severance to make their exodus comfortable. No unleavened bread for them.
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3 comments:
I thought this quote was interesting...
In Proverbs we read, “If your enemy falls, do not exult; if he trips, let your heart not rejoice.” Judaism reminds us that even our enemies are human, and the disgrace of another person is never cause for celebration. As Passover approaches, we should consider that most powerful ritual moment, when we symbolically reduce our joy by spilling some of our wine as the suffering of the Egyptians is recounted. When we consider the Bernie Madoffs of the world as a window into the dark recesses of the human soul, we should respond with pity and anguish, not anger or delight. By Louis E. Newman - Jewish Daily
Beautifully put, DocP. However, while I understand not delighting in the misdeeds/misfortunes of others...why no anger? Not that they are the same, but what if you substituted the name(s) Hitler, Pol Pot, or George Wallace for Madoff? Why can't we be angry at people who commit wrongdoing?
I not only symbolically spilled some drops for Madoff, I let a whole bottle fall. I don't necessarily celebrate others misfortunes but pity them on their wrongdoing?? I have my limits.
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