Moshe's Grandchildren: Apostasy and PTSD
Julian Ungar-Sargon
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Julian Ungar-Sargon
Moshe's Grandchildren: Apostasy and PTSD
Feb 13, 2022 Season 16 Episode 4
Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon

In this podcast, we explore the midrashic narratives that attempt to grapple with the absence of any mention of Moshe’s descendants
as opposed to his brother Aharon. (Num 3). We then recount the horrific midrashim regarding the use of newborn babies as quotas of bricks in building materials in Egypt.

God tells Moshe (Yalkut 243)  "its just as well since they are all wicked" and if he likes he can remove one and see what happens. This little one turns out to be Micah who ends up hiring a “Levite”
Jonathan ben Gershon ben Menashe…the suspended nun refers to an older text ben Moshe... (Moshe’s grandson) to officiate in the sectarian idolatrous altar in Laish (judges 34) Pesel Micha.

We speculate as to the possible trauma suffered when age three (the trial with the coals in Pharaoh’s court) causing Moshe’s PTSD transmitted to his own sons,  and to what extent his tragic life and death
may inform those of us who likewise are children of survivors or those with PTSD and how must integrate the darkness to heal.