#BlogExodus: Learn

Like others, I try to learn something new everyday. Today, I learned about the hydraulic rescue tool known as the "Jaws of Life."

Thanks to my colleague, Jake, I now know that the "Jaws of Life" is the brand name for a piece of rescue equipment manufactured by Hurst.  According to the company's website, "Hurst Jaws of Life® rescue systems have been instrumental in saving hundreds of thousands of lives" in the more than 40 years since the equipment first was patented.  Like Kleenex, Xerox, Band-Aid, and Dumpster, among others, the brand name "Jaws of Life" has become synonymous with the object itself.

As we prepare to retell the story of our exodus from Egypt, may we never again find ourselves so inexorably trapped--in a car, in a job, in a relationship, in a place that we just do not want to be--that it takes the "Jaws of Life" to extricate us from our personal slavery.


Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima, this post is one in a series marking the days of the Jewish month of Nissan leading up to Passover, which begins at sundown on Monday, 14 Nissan. If you want to play along, check out this year's #BlogExodus and #Exodusgram prompts.

#BlogExodus: Slavery

Photo Wikimedia Commons

Each year at this season, I think often about my own escape from slavery.

Although there was no back-breaking physical labor in my Mitzrayim, the Pharaoh there was emotionally abusive.  I was a slave to his whims, his routine, his schedule and his mishagas.

This is what it was like.

Finally--after 13 years--I gathered up my courage and, like Nachshon ben Amminadabh, I took a few steps out into the water.

It was cool and clear and refreshing.

As the Israelites crossed the sea to freedom, so too did I cross the country to a new life of freedom and joy.  And, like Miriam and the women, I've been dancing ever since.

Inspired by Ima on (and off) the Bima, this post is one in a series marking the days of the Hebrew month of Nisan leading up to Passover 5773.