It was hard not to feel moved by the inauguration of the first black President of the United States of America last week. For a country that has experienced segregation within living memory, and which still feels the ripples of slavery, this was a huge moment. It does not mean that all prejudice has been wiped out, or that all opportunities are now equal between black and white in America (or, indeed, in the UK), but it is a hugely important step towards this long hoped for dream. This symbolic and very real movement from slavery to freedom resonates deeply with our portion this week, as the rabble of Hebrew slaves takes their first tentative steps towards freedom.
The views expressed in this D’var Torah do not necessarily reflect the position of Leo Baeck College.