“Men of factious tempers, of local prejudices, or of sinister designs, may, by intrigue, by corruption, or by other means, first obtain the suffrages, and then betray the interests, of the people.”—James Madison, Federalist No. 10

Moses demands again of the Pharaoh that he release the Jewish slaves. Cowed by the plagues, Pharaoh begins negotiations.

“Who will go?”

“Everyone,” replies Moses. Old and young. Men, and women. Believers and atheists. Priests and common slaves.

But the Pharaoh is insistent. He will only release the men.

Moses is equally unyielding. All, or none.

These are two classic political power plays.

Pharaoh is pitting interest groups one against the other in a classic divide and conquer. Moses is building a coalition of allies.

Moses and Pharaoh teach us a lesson for the ages.

Words to consider. Ideas to ponder. Politics and the parsha.

Howie Beigelman works at the intersection of nonprofit advocacy and Jewish communal affairs. Follow him on Twitter @howielb.

By Howie Beigelman