Exodus

Publication Date: July 2009

Publisher: National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (U.S.)

Author(s): Jennifer Krause

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Jewish Text; Jewish Content; Social Context; Diversity

Type: Other

Abstract:

In this short and personal piece, Rabbi Jennifer Krause attempts to dissect the puzzle of community. She discusses Parashat Bo and suggests that while we are not sure who comprised the "erev rav," the anonymous group who accompanied the Israelites as they fled from Egypt, we are certain that the Israelites were not the only ones who experienced the exodus. The author explains that while the Israelites set out on their personal journey, they were still with other people, the "erev rav," who were on an important voyage of their own. From this tale, she concludes that in life we are not only traveling with the people with whom we have chosen to travel, but with the ones who turn up along the way as well.