The story in Parshat shmos is pretty well known. Pharoah and Egyptians enslave the Jews. Little Baby Moses is born. Moses is hidden for three months. He is then put in a basket and put into the Nile. Fortuitously, Pharoah’s daughter came down to the Nile and sees him. The Torah states: She opened and saw the boy and behold the “youth” was crying.

Ramban picks up on the term “youth” and comments that Moses was remarkably handsome with long limbs and appeared more mature.

A few years ago, the NY Times had an article that an extensive study was done which showed that beautiful children got far more attention in school than their peers. The teachers gave them extra attention and special treatment. No surprise as it is common knowledge that good looks goes a long way. In fact the SD will exhort to anyone who listens that very successful executives often share three characteristics: 1. hair 2. height 3. Thin. In fact, the only bald president this country had in the 20 and 21 century was Eisenhower and he had to be elected.

So was Moses saved because he was good looking? The short answer is yes. Pharoah’s daughter had pity on him because she saw something in him. She saw a good looking kid. The reality is that life is not fair. Good looking people have advantages. They get more attention. The interesting thing is that Moshe did not see himself that way. He was humble. Modest. Maybe that is what Rashi says in his explanation on the pasuk: that when she opened the basket she saw the divine presence.

So if you are blessed with Tom Cruise looks, walked humbly and thank gd for all your gifts.