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Shalom and
Bracha!
This Shabbat
we read the portion of Bo, which includes the last three
plagues, the Passover offering in preparation for the exodus
from
Egypt,
and the Exodus itself. It is also the Shabbat before the Tenth
of Shevat, the Yahrtzeit of the Previous Rebbe and the ascension
to leadership of the Rebbe. This will be discussed in a separate
page.
The Torah
commands us that we are to remember the Exodus from
Egypt
all of the days of our lives. This remembrance serves many
purposes. In order to go forward, we must know where we came
from. When we remember the Exodus, we are reminded both of our
humble beginnings as slaves and our tremendous debt of gratitude
to Hashem. This is also connected to the month of Shevat. The
name Shevat is connected to the Hebrew word Shevet, which means
a branch. During the month of Shevat we contemplate that we are
all branches of one tree, and we look to our roots for our
identity.
A deeper
reason for the daily remembrance is that every day, in prayer
and service of Hashem, we undergo a spiritual expression of the
Exodus. The Hebrew word for
Egypt
is Mitzrayim. This is related to the Hebrew word Metzarim, which
means boundaries. Inherently, we are fettered by negative traits
and surroundings. Hashem is infinite. Reaching out to Hashem is
an act of redemption from our boundaries. A couple once brought
their mute daughter to the Rebbe. The Rebbe asked if she would
begin lighting Shabbat candles if given the gift of speech. Her
parents said certainly. The Rebbe asked the girl to respond, and
she said yes. The Rebbe explained to her dumbfounded parents
that Hashem is infinite, and by accepting a Mitzvah she
harnessed His infinite power.
Before
leaving Mitzrayim, we were commanded to eat Matzah. Leaven is
symbolic of ego. It causes a small quantity of grain to form a
large bread or pastry. Matzah is humility. As we touch the
Infinite, we cannot approach with ego and preconceived notions.
We must have humility and readiness to accept.
When the
Torah describes the Mitzvah of the Passover offering, it refers
to “A sheep for each father’s house.” In truth, the Pesach
sacrifice could be shared with anyone. The Torah stresses the
family because our strides to come closer to Hashem should
enhance family unity. The Pesach was brought together with the
entire Jewish people. This is because as we come closer to
Hashem, we must seek to bring others close as well. This is the
spiritual side to the custom of opening the Seder by inviting
whoever has nowhere to go.
In gratitude
for the Exodus, Hashem commands us to fulfill the Mitzvah of
Tefillin. When we bind our hearts and mind with Hashem, we are
emancipated from the shackles of society’s mindset and
corruption.
May our
study of the Redemption from Mitzrayim be the last preparation
for the Redemption through Moshiach!
Shabbat
Shalom,
Rabbi Biggs
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