PESACH: REDEMPTION THROUGH TORAH AND PRAYER

בס”ד

Introduction

Dive into the timeless tale of Pesach, where the interconnected roles of Moses and Aaron illuminate the path to redemption. Explore the profound significance of Torah and prayer in fostering human transformation and spiritual growth. This exploration unveils not only the historical context of the Exodus but also the enduring relevance of its lessons in navigating our own journey toward liberation and enlightenment.

Unified Collaboration: Moses, Aaron, and the Exodus

Pesach commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, a story in which Moses and Aaron, in unified collaboration and by the command of G-d, bring about the redemption of the Jewish people. At times, the focus may shift more towards Moses or Aaron, but the ultimate goal remains the same: to lead the people to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah from G-d.

The emphasis of Moses’s actions lies in bringing G-d’s Word (Torah) into the world. Torah has the power to break all evil in the world. That’s why it is Moses who goes to Pharaoh to speak G-d’s Word to him, demanding that he let the people go. Only this speaking of G-d, His Torah, makes it possible to break Pharaoh, who embodies evil. However, the intention is not to destroy Pharaoh, for there is Aaron, who in a sense reminds Moses that the ultimate goal is to make Pharaoh acknowledge the Eternal One.

The emphasis of Aaron is not on bringing G-d down to the world through Torah, but rather on elevating the world to G-d, which can be achieved through prayer, among other means. He approaches the people to prepare them for the Exodus through prayer and connection with G-d. Then there is Moses, who in a way reminds Aaron that the ultimate goal is not only liberation from exile but also the receiving of the Torah, thereby acknowledging G-d’s Kingship.

The Significance of Torah: Confirming Divine Law

The receiving of the Torah is a significant event in human history because it confirms and seals all the laws and rules previously revealed by G-d to Adam, Noah, and Abraham. This means that after Sinai, no laws can be revoked or added.^[1] The acceptance of these 613 commandments by Jews and the 7 commandments by non-Jews is an acknowledgment and affirmation of G-d’s Sovereignty on Earth. It means that these commandments are observed because G-d gave them—through Moses—not because we find them logical. This recognition of G-d’s Sovereignty brings holiness into the world by elevating the material world to serve as a means of connecting with G-d. Thus, the world becomes a habitable place for G-d, where we can come to know Him and establish a relationship with Him. This was the entire purpose of creation.^[2]

Embracing Divine Commandments: Elevating the Inner Pharaoh

The recognition of His Kingship motivates us, as mentioned above, to desire to fulfill His commandments simply because He has commanded them. Additionally, it compels us to align our thoughts, words, and actions with His will. This entails overcoming the negative traits inherent in our nature that can enslave and confine us. This process of overcoming can only be achieved through prayer, where man is trying to reach up to his Creator and connects to Him, a connection where we ask Him for strength and assistance to improve our nature, and Torah study, the Word of G-d that comes to us from Mount Sinai through Moses, through which we can learn the life advice that G-d gives us to improve ourselves. Through these practices, we effectively overcome our “inner Pharaoh,” symbolizing the liberation from the negative aspects of ourselves.

The acknowledgment of His Kingship motivates us, as mentioned above, to desire fulfilling His commandments simply because He has commanded them. Additionally, it compels us to align our thoughts, words, and actions with His will. This implies overcoming the negative traits inherent in our nature that can enslave and restrict us. This process of overcoming can only be achieved through prayer, where humanity seeks to reach its Creator and establish a connection with Him, a connection in which we seek His strength and assistance to improve our nature, and Torah study, the Word of God that comes to us from Mount Sinai through Moses, through which we learn the life advice that God gives us to enhance ourselves. Through these practices, we effectively conquer our “inner Pharaoh,” symbolizing liberation from our negative aspects.

From the above, it’s crucial to recognize that both movements – from above to below (Torah) and from below to above (prayer) – are essential for the spiritual growth and connection of every individual with the divine. This harmonious relationship between Torah and prayer emphasizes the comprehensive approach necessary for personal transformation and elevation.

Just as Moses takes the lead in communicating with Pharaoh, the role of Aaron in the process is equally important. While Moses represents the power of Torah, breaking barriers and delivering divine instructions from above, Aaron symbolizes the significance of prayer and elevation. In a broader perspective, Torah isn’t solely about breaking but also about uplifting.

Furthermore, can elevate our nature by learning how to uplift our negative character traits. This can be achieved by focusing on areas where we may be less proficient. Reflecting on myself, I realize that I tend to prioritize reading, learning, and writing. While these are valuable pursuits, it is crucial for me personally to consciously shift my focus towards activities such as prayer, conversation, and meditation, which may not come as naturally to me.

Extending Redemption: Teaching Divine Commandments

The process of breaking the “inner Pharaoh” can be extended to all the “pharaohs” we encounter in the world—those who question why they should serve God. This was a completely new approach introduced by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who urged Jews to educate non-Jews about their 7 Noahide Laws. This initiative is aligned with the teachings of the Rambam, found in his “Laws of Kings and Wars,” Chapter 8, Halacha 10,

Moses was commanded by the Almighty to compel all the inhabitants of the world to accept the commandments enjoined upon the sons of Noah. Anyone who accepts these and is careful to observe them is among the righteous of the nations and has a share in the world to come. This applies only when he accepts and observes them because the Holy One, blessed be He, commanded them in the Torah and informed us through Moses that Noah’s descendants had already been commanded to observe them.

In earlier times, it was dangerous for the Jewish people to engage in this task due to pogroms and persecutions. However, today, despite the prevalent negative views towards the Jewish people or their faith, which can cause sorrow and pain, it is especially crucial in this era—the time leading up to the ultimate and final Redemption—that Jews teach non-Jews about their 7 Commandments, with the help of Bnei Noach (Noahides). Similar to how Joseph provided bread to the Egyptian people and neighboring lands, now, with joy, the spiritual sustenance can be given to the world. This marks the beginning of the ultimate goal, as depicted in Zephaniah 3:9.

9For then I will change the nations [to speak] a pure language, so that all will call proclaim the Name of Hashem, to worship Him with a united resolve.

טכִּי־אָ֛ז אֶהְפֹּ֥ךְ אֶל־עַמִּ֖ים שָׂפָ֣ה בְרוּרָ֑ה לִקְרֹ֚א כֻלָּם֙ בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְ”הֹוָ֔ה לְעָבְד֖וֹ שְׁכֶ֥ם אֶחָֽד

Learning Points

Inner Pharaoh Illumination: The process of liberating the “inner Pharaoh” signifies the transformation of our negative traits through prayer and Torah study.
Universal Responsibility: Embracing and teaching the 7 Noahide laws reflects a universal duty to share spiritual values, despite resistance.
Divine Sovereignty: Passover underscores the acceptance of divine sovereignty through obedience, emphasizing aligning our actions with God’s will.

By Angelique Sijbolts

Sources:

Ma’amar: Hu-Aharon-Umoshe5744 / link to audio class
^[1] Rambam in Laws of Kings 9:1
^[2] Rabbi Schneur Zalman, founder of ChaBaD, who writes in Tanya Ch.36, while quoting from a Midrash (Midrasj Tanchuma, Pekudei 3), which G-d created because “G-d desired to have a dwelling place in the lower worlds (Dirah BeTachtonim).” It is for this purpose that He created a chain order of worlds, with higher and lower realms, with the purpose of creation specifically in the lowest of all.

With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the teaching and feedback

See also the blogs:

THE UNIVERSAL MEANING OF PASSOVER
REFLECTIONS ON PESACH 5784
Pesach Message from Rabbi Moshe Weiner
15 Nissan 5783 – Pesach
Pesach message from Rabbi Tani Burton 5783

Rabbi Tuvia Serber:
They were Moshe and Aaron shiur 1, shiur 2, shiur 3, shiur 4
Youtube Channel of Rabbi Tuvia Serber