“And God hardened Pharaoh’s heart…”

It seems in these past two weeks of Torah readings that God is acting strangely, even cruelly. Apparently, God is willing to force Pharaoh into a harder stance than he might have taken. The Israelites’ pain is prolonged and additional and terrifying plagues are visited on the land of Egypt. Innocents suffer on both sides.

What is God up to? Can we make sense of these passages? Why does God harden Pharaoh’s heart? What does that enigmatic phrase mean?

This Saturday’s service will include a look at this thorny theological question. Feel free to join us in our ruminations, and please don’t forget: Temple Or Olam’s Second Tot Shabbat is this Saturday, too! We look forward to seeing our little ones chanting, dancing, and singing their way through a lively children’s service. (Older children are welcome to come, but please keep in mind that this service is being designed for ages 1-3.)

Date: January 23
Time: 10 am for Tot Shabbat; 10:40 for Adult Service p.m.
Location: McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Rd, Concord