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Whoever Saves One Life \ Parashat Shemot
D'var Torah: "Whoever saves one life, it is considered as if he saved the entire world." (Sanhedrin Chapter Four) Yocheved and Miriam, the Jewish midwives in Egypt, refused to comply with Pharaoh's command to kill the Jewish baby boys upon birth. They courageously saved and sustained thousands of Jewish babies. As a result of their remarkable courage to defy the king, HaShem bestowed great goodness upon Yocheved and Miriam. Firstly, HaShem blessed them with abundant means to protect and nurture thousands of newborns. Secondly, HaShem gave these righteous midwives incomparable eternal reward in Gan Eden. In addition, since they risked their lives for Klal Yisrael, Yocheved and Miriam merited to be the mother and sister, respectively, of Moshe and Aaron. Moreover, their commitment to care and provide for the helpless babies, inspired Klal Yisrael to strengthen their faith in HaShem, that He is our Father, our King, and our Redeemer.
Moral: The more a person commits himself to help and save others, the more HaShem showers him or her with countless blessings, secure protection, and incomparable merits.
Applicatiom: Envision Yocheved and Miriam courageously risking their lives to save the Jewish babies. Imagine how they lovingly care, nurture, and protect them. Reflect on the countless blessings and rewards that HaShem grants Yocheved and Miriam. Be encouraged to dedicate yourself to help other people, and receive HaShem's choicest blessings and greatest reward. (Based on the commentary of the Ohr HaChaim to the Torah)
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