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Shemot-Full Trust
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lighting 4:28. Shabbat ends 5:32
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B”H
SHEMOT - FULL TRUST
By
Rabbi Yonassan
Biggs
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Shalom and Bracha!
This Shabbat we read the portion of
Shemot, which describes the beginning of the Egyptian servitude,
the birth and rise of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses), Hashem’s
revelation to Moshe in the burning bush and the beginning of
Moshe’s mission to redeem the Jewish people. The lessons from
this portion illuminate the path to the redemption from the
current exile, may it come immediatley.
The title of the portion, Shemot, means names. Before the
servitude, Hashem counted the Jewish people and mentioned them
by name, both of which are significant signs of dearness and
empowerment of the Jewish people to endure the exile. According
to Jewish law, non kosher items that are counted and accidently
get mixed with kosher items do cannot be ignored, even if their
ratio is insignificant. This is because by counting, we express
the significance of each individual item, rather than its weight
or measure. When Hashem counted the children of Israel, He
assured that no Jew was insignificant compared to the multitude
of Egyptians. Recounting each of names is a sign of both
affection and intensification of identity. Before the servitude
Hashem proclaimed his love for us and gave us the strength to
retain our identity. This is a lesson that in the current exile
that Hashem has given each of us the strength to retain our
Jewish identity and that He loves and cares for each of us
individually. Reflecting thereon, we must be concerned that not
a single Jew lose his Jewish identity and respect his unique
bond with G-d.
The Midrash teaches that one of the merits which made the
Jewish people deserving of the Exodus was that they retained
their Jewish names. Our Hebrew names are a special part of our
identity, our unique title which defines our bond with Hashem.
Hebrew is the language of creation. Chassidut teaches that the
Hebrew name represents the bond of the body and the soul, and
that by using our Hebrew names we empower our souls. We see the
power of names in the narratives of our patriarchs. Before Sarah
could have children, Hashem changed her name. Before the
conception of Yitzchak, Hashem changed Avraham’s name.
When Hashem spoke to Moshe from the burning bush, He said
“And now the cries of the Jewish people have come before me and
I have seen their torment.” Although Hashem was well aware of
the torment the Jewish people suffered under Egyptian slavery,
and He had promised the forefathers to redeem the Jewish people
from Egypt, Hashem stressed that “I have heard their cries.”
This teaches us that we must constantly beseech Hashem for the
redemption until our cries will finally be heard. Until we ask,
He doesn’t answer.
Hashem continued and told Moshe “When you will redeem the
people from Egypt, they will serve Hashem upon this mountain.”
With these words, Hashem explained to Moshe the true meaning of
the Exodus and the core of the Jewish people. The Exodus was not
simply emancipation from physical slavery. The Exodus created a
people with a unique bond to G-d, a spiritual Exodus which
lifted the Jewish people beyond the confines of the mundane
world. We didn’t become emancipated slaves, we became the people
of the Torah. When we seek Moshiach, we must seek more than
physical comfort and freedom. We must seek a world where we can
feel the presence of Hashem everywhere and we constantly get
closer to Him.
After Moshe announced the redemption, for a limited time the
servitude got worse. To further the confusion, Moshe
disappeared. In fact, these were the final preparations for the
redemption. This is a powerful lesson. Sometime, we improve our
ways expecting immediate blessing from Hashem in response. The
delays we experience are for our own good. We must not lose
faith when we don’t see expected results. This is the true test
of Bitachon by which we merit salvation.
As we study the first redemption may we speedily merit the
final redemption through Moshiach!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Biggs
Dedicated in memory of Rabbi Dovid Edelman
A”H
May he intercede for his family, all of the Shluchim and
Klal Yisroel for the Geulah now
A Project of Chabad of
Great Neck
400 East Shore Rd. Great Neck NY 11024
516
4874554 fax 516 4874807
