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The first stage was extricating the people from the burden the Egyptians placed upon them. We would have thought that this was sufficient, as this is what caused them to call out in anguish to Hashem. However, although when the ten plagues had just begun, that element of the bondage had already ceased (Rosh Hashana 11a), there was still a need for further stages.
The Egyptians had stamped their imprint on Israel. They not only were afraid of their Egyptian masters but they had begun to respect and to imitate them, including in regard to idol worship. Their inability to "listen to Moshe" (Shemot 6:9) was a result of the "shortness of spirit" (ibid.) related to a lack of complete faith, which that generation was missing (see Midrash Aggada 6:9) and from "difficult work" (ibid.), which was a difficulty to stop idol worship (see Shemot Rabba 6:6). The plagues, the first of which affected the Nile, the main god of Egypt and its major source of success, proved that the perceived invincibility of Pharaoh and his Nile were only an illusion. This was the fulfillment of "save you from their service" – their service of false gods.
However, the liberation was not supposed to be only in being extricated from negative elements but was to be positive as well. Hashem showed them that there is a true source of power in the world. The world is not run as a blind game of chance but runs based on divine control. This was "I will liberate you with an outstretched arm and with great blows."
The final idea was that Hashem and Bnei Yisrael would begin a relationship of a G-d and His nation. Bnei Yisrael were singled out, and by accepting the Torah and mitzvot and doing charity and justice, they were to earn this distinction.
The confluence of these four languages of liberation created a very special nation. Throughout our history, the nation and its Torah go hand-in-hand. No tribe was without this connection, even if at times it was not as strong as it should have been. There were problems in the times of the Judges and later on at the time of the Karites. However these were always the exceptions, which did not stop the nation as an "organism" to continue.
In recent history as well, there have been shake-ups to the nation and attempts to take it off its historical path. However, as the beginning of the eventual redemption starts to shine forth, we will continue to experience not only the first two redemptions of escaping the tragedies but also the last two of developing our relationship with Hashem.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
