This week we begin the book of Shemot, Exodus. Our parashah, Shemot, meaning “names,” seems to be a misnomer. In the first few verses, we get a list of the names of Jacob’s sons who entered Egypt, and then “a new Pharaoh arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph,” and so our ancestors quickly became a nameless and faceless people. 

In Shemot, the hero of our people’s story of redemption, Moses, begins as a nameless baby; and Moses’ parents are first referred to as “a man from the house of Levi and a daughter of Levi” (2:1). Though the Torah later tells us that his parents are Amram and Yocheved, we might wonder, what purpose is there in the Torah initially hiding their identity? Perhaps it is to remind us, that sometimes the greatest of people emerge from “ordinary” families.

How often do we feel nameless or ordinary? How often do we feel that there is much to be done, but we need someone to step up and make change? Someone famous or with influence?

In the Torah, this parashah specifically, and throughout Jewish history, courage, heroism, and eventual redemption are our people’s response to those who rise up against us. 

We often see that great heroes, like Moses, are not the famous ones, but rather folks who are hesitant, who don’t seek fame and fortune. They are the ones who often ask, “mi anochi — who am I” to help or make change?? And when they realize their power, they do incredible things. This reminds us that the most ordinary people, from the humblest of backgrounds, can stand up, do something, and make a difference.

As 2018 ends and 2019 begins, when we ask ourselves, “Mi anochi — who I am to make a difference?” instead ask yourself, as Nelson Mandela did, “Who am I not to make change?” Remind yourself, “I can do this, I can make a difference.” So what will you do in 2019?  If nothing else, as Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg is Senior Rabbi at United Hebrew Congregation and a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical Association, which coordinates the weekly d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.