The Book of Exodus opens with one of the central challenges of any people seeking to survive: establishing its existence and ensuring continuity. The Torah tells us that when the Israelites went down to Egypt, they numbered only 70 souls, but over the years:
“They multiplied and grew exceedingly and filled the land” (Exodus 1:7).
The numerical rise of the Israelites aroused fear in Pharaoh. He worried that this growth could turn against him – the immigrants might join Egypt’s enemies and destabilize its rule. He imposed harsh decrees on the Israelites, including forced labor and various pressures, intended to reduce their population. Yet the result was the opposite, as the Torah says:
“The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.” (Exodus 1:12)
Then the Egyptian magicians added a warning that magnified Pharaoh’s fears: a leader would arise from the Israelites who would take them out of Egypt. This fear led Pharaoh to lose all reason and issue the cruelest decree of all: “Every son that is born, you shall cast into the Nile.” (Exodus 1:22)
The decree was enforced
The sages describe that this decree was enforced with great rigor. Against this backdrop, a dramatic event occurred. Amram, the leader of the generation, decided to divorce his wife, Jochebed, claiming there was no point in marriage if continuity was impossible. Others followed his example. The midrash recounts:
“Amram was the leader of the generation. When he saw Pharaoh’s evil decree, he said, ‘Why are we laboring in vain?’ He stood and divorced his wife, and all others did likewise. His daughter said to him, ‘Father, your decree is harsher than Pharaoh’s. Pharaoh only decreed against the males, but you decreed against both males and females.’ Immediately, he stood and took back his wife, and everyone else took back their wives.”
At that time, Miriam, Amram’s daughter, was only five years old. With a clear and moral argument, she succeeded in convincing her father – and the entire leadership – that forsaking family life meant forsaking the future. Even if the sons were in danger, the daughters to be born would ensure the people’s continuity, for according to Jewish law, Jewish identity is passed through the mother.
It is astonishing to consider that from this act came Moses – the man destined to stand before Pharaoh, lead Israel out of Egypt, split the Sea of Reeds, and bring the Torah of Israel into the world. It is moving to think that none of this would have happened without the steadfast courage of little Miriam.
Jochebed, also called Shifra in the midrash, and her daughter Miriam, also called Puah, stood at the center of a bold and dangerous enterprise: saving newborns in defiance of Pharaoh’s command. With devotion and courage, they continued bringing life into the world. The victory of the midwives over Pharaoh was the beginning of Israel’s triumph over Egypt.
Dramatic turn
The story continues dramatically. Baby Moses was born prematurely and was therefore not immediately discovered by the Egyptians. For three months, Amram and Jochebed managed to hide the child, but eventually, it became clear they could no longer protect him.
At this point, a heart-wrenching decision was made in Amram and Jochebed’s household – a decision of faith, despair, and hope all at once. They built a small ark capable of floating on water, placed their infant son inside, and set it afloat on the Nile. This was a moment when parents entrusted their child to fate, painfully aware that they may have been sending him to death, yet holding onto a slim hope for a miracle.
The Torah describes the scene in a brief but powerful verse: “And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.” (Exodus 2:4)
These words open a window into a deep emotional world. Miriam, Moses’ sister, stood at a distance, watching silently, waiting to see what would happen to him. The same child who had convinced her parents to restore family life now witnessed the personal cost of that act.
Fortunately, Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya, came down to the Nile to bathe. She noticed the ark, sent her maidservant to retrieve it, and upon opening it, her heart was moved by the crying baby. Despite her father’s decree and the personal danger, she decided to adopt him.
Batya took Moses into Pharaoh’s household, raised him in the royal palace, and, in a remarkable step, provided him with a Hebrew nurse – Jochebed – unaware that she was his biological mother. Thus, from the heart of the Egyptian empire and with the aid of Pharaoh’s household itself, grew the future savior of Israel.
Expanding the picture
The sages expand the picture and emphasize the role of the righteous women of that generation in bringing about redemption:
“Rav Avira taught: As a reward for the righteous women of that generation, Israel was redeemed from Egypt. When they went to draw water, the Holy One, blessed be He, placed small fish in their pitchers. They drew half water and half fish and brought two pots – one of stew and one of fish – to their husbands in the field, washing, covering, feeding, and watering them, being needed at their lips. When they conceived, they returned to their homes, etc.” (Sotah 11b)
We live in an era where the question of birthrates is central to global discussion – demographically, socially, and personally. Many countries face a sharp decline in birthrates, resulting in demographic changes that affect the character of the nation and the preservation of its national values. The world struggles to find a balance between career, personal comfort, and human continuity.
This biblical story teaches clearly and decisively about our deep human responsibility: to continue life, uphold tradition, and ensure there are those who will receive and carry it forward. When this value is prioritized, the basic human capacities of giving, love, and compassion are strengthened, and society as a whole becomes more humane and sensitive.
Such a world is brighter and happier, where the laughter of children is not a trivial or optional luxury but a vital foundation – a sound that conveys hope, connects generations, and reminds all humanity why it is worth continuing to build a better future.■
The writer is rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites.