Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
There is a fundamental difference between Sefer Bereishis and Sefer Shemos; Bereishis focuses upon the character development and the actualization of potential of the individuals who supply the genetic basis for the Jewish people, while Shemos focuses upon the formation and development of the national Jewish entity. Consequently, Bereishis highlights the lives and accomplishments of individuals. In contradistinction, because of the miraculous nature of the events which transpired to create the Jewish corporate entity, Shemos downplays individual accomplishments within the formation of the nation.
The formation of the nation follows the blueprint set by Hashem to bring the Jewish corporate entity into existence. Each and every move made by the individuals involved has been carefully and miraculously choreographed by the Almighty. Emphasizing an individual’s accomplishments diminishes Divine involvement in the unfolding events. Therefore, the names of individuals are rarely mentioned in this parsha, to create the sense that their actions are preordained by a higher authority.
Since Sefer Shemos follows Hashem’s miraculous script, extraordinary events are treated as commonplace. Therefore, no mention is made of Yocheved’s ability to bear a child at the age of one hundred thirty. In Sefer Bereishis the accomplishments of the individual are emphasized resulting in the highlighting of Sarah’s ability to bear Yitzchak. Just as the actions of other individuals mentioned in this parsha were prompted by Hashem, Pharaoh’s daughter stretched out her hand because it was the will of Hashem that Moshe be saved. She too was a tool in the formation of the Jewish nation.
