More than once, when I really need my friend’s help and "no" is simply not an option, I've asked for commitment before my request. Usually, they don’t say yes. But the Jews said yes.

A classic breakdown runs of the Aseret HaDibros (Ten Commandments) distinguishes between 1-5 and 6-10. The first five are the man-God commandments and last five are the man-man commandments.

Those who pray are quite familiar with the lines – we say them three times a day. In all likelihood that probably breeds some degree of ignorance/passive acceptance.

How long were the Jews in Egypt? The Torah presents two versions. A good old-fashioned contradiction! Rashi is quick to point out, however, that neither choice is correct.

After an initial burst of Moshe’s positive message, Bnei Yisrael are bitterly disappointed with the results.Pharaoh increases their workload and makes their lives even more miserable.

We were slaves to Pharaoh, not Pharaoh’s slaves. The former would be only a juridic-social description; the Jews belonged to Pharaoh legally, but spiritually were free people with their own minds and an independent approach to reality.

Moshe is an unwilling leader. Rather than campaigning for the position, he argues the counter. In the end, he loses his argument with God, a fairly predictable conclusion, and emerges as our greatest leader in Jewish history.

Man is bored. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on his entertainment and amusement. He pays enormous sums to anyone who can elicit a smile from him and make him forget his daily worries.