B"H
Monday, Tevet 27, 5785 / January 27, 2025
This Shabbat we will read from the Torah Parshat Bo, where the Torah tells the story of the liberation and Exodus of the Jewish people from their slavery and bondage in Mitzrayim (Egypt).
The stories in the Torah, although they took place over three thousand years ago, are not merely a record of historical events, they are lessons and instructions for all generations. In fact, the reason we read these stories to this very day, is so that they will teach and guide us in our daily lives.
This is especially true with the story of the Exodus. This story is so important that it is a mitzvah to remember it each day. The Torah instructs us, "You shall remember the day you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life." We recall the Exodus every day in the daily prayers.
Why is the story of the liberation from “Mitzrayim” (Egypt) so important? The goal of the Exodus was, as G-d stated to Moshe, "When you bring the people out of Egypt, you will serve G-d on this mountain." The purpose of the Exodus was for them to receive the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Our sages say, "True freedom is achieved only through the study of Torah." Without knowing between right and wrong, good and bad, one cannot be considered a free person, in the true sense of freedom. Torah enlightens us to know our purpose in this world. One who lacks purpose is not free.
An ancient story is told of a wealthy man who, in addition to many fields and orchards, had many servants and slaves. He was unkind, a difficult person with a violent temper. If a slave didn't fulfill his wishes to the fullest, he would be beaten mercilessly. Once when he was beating one of his slaves, a wise man happened to walk by. He stopped and said, "It is neither proper nor ethical for one slave to be hitting another slave!"
"What do you mean?" declared the rich man angrily. "I am the owner, and he is my slave!"
"You are mistaken! In my opinion, you are more slave than he is! He, unfortunately, has no choice that he is a slave, but you, who cannot control your anger, are indeed enslaved to your evil temper and temptations. Your anger is your master and ruler, and you are enslaved to it!"
In a spiritual sense, the enslavement in Mitzrayim (Egypt) and the Exodus apply daily. "Mitzrayim" means constriction and limitation. The G-dly soul within us who always wants to do good deeds and rise higher spiritually, is constricted and limited by the animal soul ("Mitzrayim") within us.
Remembering the Exodus daily reminds us that G-d gives us the ability to be liberated from our own constraints and selfish tendencies. We achieve this liberation through the knowledge of Torah, knowing our purpose and mission in life. Through this knowledge our intellect illuminates our heart so that we desire to perform good deeds and rise to spiritual heights. This is the idea of remembering the Exodus every day of our lives.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
OUR HEARTS ARE WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY - MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW