- Torah and Jewish Thought
- General Questions
Shemot 1:22 - Attempted genocide?
Question
Shalom Rabbi Ari,
Thank you for your insights.
You caught me by surprise with the midwives. I thought they were Hebrew women but after your hint I changed my mind about this.
Is there more or less a concensus among the rabbis the way you explained this verse or do they follow Rashi?
I also learned that they found in excavations at Avaris (Goshen) a much higher mortality rate among boys. Would it be far fetched to consider this being an indication of the attempt of the genocide on Israel in Egypt?
Paul
Answer
It's true that according to the Ramban's explanation, the midwives were probably Egyptians, but it's possible that a dictator like Pharaoh would allow himself to give such an order to Hebrew midwives, as well. In general, Rashi's opinion is usually considered very accepted, because that's what we grew up on, as children. On the other hand, scholars often accept other opinions, especially when, like here, Rashi leaves the literal meaning or prefers a midrash in order to teach us an important (often ethical) lesson. Good poets and authors and sometimes eve artists, often consciously leave room for various interpretations, which harmonize and complement each-other, so how much more so does God have that "capability" and knows that trick! Accordingly, traditionally Jewish scholars usually don't refer to one "consensus" opinion, but learn all of the various interpretations, which may have been purposely left open to several interpretations. This is the type of debate which has kept us pre-occupied with the Torah for 3,300 years, and wer'e still "running strong", debating and constantly searching for new proofs to "decide" which interpretation we prefer. Archaeological proofs may be an example of such newly available material which can help us in our search for Torah truth, and it's very interesting what you cited!

"Ancient of Days" in Daniel 7
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 10, 5780

Debates between different Jewish groups
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar I 10, 5782

Midrash - literal or not
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 10, 5780

math and science
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Cheshvan 9, 5782

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Keeping non-definite chametz and staying in a dorm
Nisan 3, 5771

baruch hamavdil
Adar I 23, 5771

Writing a Torah Scroll in English
Adar II 25, 5771

Delaying aliya for career and studies
Adar II 25, 5771

Popcorn at the cinema
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 8, 5773

Mezuzah for a Catholic Family?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 15, 5779

Bracha on water
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Cheshvan 16, 5769

When does the Jewish day begin?
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 10, 5775
How to split expenses for a group event
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
CAN A CHALAL MARRY A DIVORCED WOMAN ?
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman | Tevet 23, 5783
Praying with people placing Tefillin on forehead?
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
