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We find in the beginning of our parasha (Shemot 6:6-7) "four languages of liberation." They are not synonyms, as each relates to a different element and has its owns importance. Hashem did not suffice with ceasing the abuses of the Egyptians as slave drivers, but promised to totally relieve them of work on behalf of the Egyptians. That was not enough, and therefore he promised them geula and becoming His nation.
Actually, not all of Bnei Yisrael clearly saw all of the Exodus as being crucial. Realize that the whole matter of enslavement became necessary because "the land was filled with them" (ibid. 1:7). This pasuk hints at the fact that Jews could be found everywhere in Egypt, including the theaters and all the public places of the land (Tanchuma, Shemot 6:6). They felt quite at home in what was supposed to be a foreign land. Although Yaakov worked hard to inculcate in the minds of his family that they were just guests there and Yosef worked to have them settle in an isolated location, Bnei Yisrael breached the boundaries.
They actually wanted to be like the Egyptians. The exile found favor in the eyes of quite a few, and they tried to be involved in Egyptian national life. Even after the painful period of enslavement, many would have been satisfied to be removed from the slavery but stay in Egypt. They would have passed on the plan to have independent national life. They would have stayed in Paroh’s land, even when the time of liberation came, if not for the strong hand expelling them from it.
Therefore, it was necessary to have an event to at least weaken Bnei Yisrael’s close connection to exile. It had to shake their confidence in what was actually a temporary period of quiet. They had to see what other nations were capable of doing to them.
It is also possible that all of this was necessary to actualize the giving of the Torah. Even after being removed from Egypt, Bnei Yisrael could have copied the characteristics of Egyptian society and implemented them for themselves. Therefore, it was necessary to show the people the true face of Egypt. If at one point, earlier in the family’s stay in Egypt, it was possible to excuse Paroh and explain that he just did not want these immigrants in his land, it became clear that this was not true, as he did not allow them to leave. The people learned what Egypt was really about, and that it was not smart to stay or to adopt Egyptian culture but rather to go to Sinai and accept the Torah.
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)
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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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
