בס”ד
In this week’s reading the Torah relates the coming out of Egypt. This is a central and fundamental idea in Judaism. The point of this class is to present different ways of understanding an living this concept in everyday life.
This week’s Torah reading is called “Bo,” which means “Come.” The main subject of this reading is the Exodus from Egypt. In Hebrew, it is referred to as “Yetziat Mitzrayim.” One of the most beautiful aspects of Judaism is that everything can be understood on different levels of depth, and all these perspectives coexist harmoniously. No single interpretation negates another; rather, they add layers of meaning.
Let’s explore the significance of coming out of Egypt on multiple levels.
Historical Context
First and foremost, from a historical perspective, the Jewish people were enslaved in Egypt, which is located in North Africa. At a certain point in history, G-d decided to liberate them, and this is what this portion of the Torah discusses.
Every year, we commemorate this event on Passover (Pesach), as the Torah commands us to remember it. On this night, we engage in a structured retelling of the Exodus, reinforcing its significance. The details of how we observe it may vary depending on where one lives (inside or outside the land of Israel), but the core essence remains the same.
The Concept of Time in Judaism
The Jewish understanding of time differs from the linear perception commonly held in the world. In conventional thought, time is seen as a straight line, constantly moving forward. However, in Judaism, time is more like a spiral. Each year is distinct, yet certain moments in time reoccur in cycles.
When we reach Pesach, we are not merely remembering an event that took place over 3,300 years ago—we are actually reliving it. The same spiritual energy that was present during the original Exodus is present again. This perspective renews our enthusiasm and helps us experience Pesach as a living, dynamic event rather than just a historical memory.
Daily Remembrance of the Exodus
The Torah does not limit the remembrance of the Exodus to once a year. Instead, we are instructed to recall it every day, both in the morning and at night. While not every day is Pesach, the concepts and lessons of the Exodus should be internalized and experienced on a daily basis.
Furthermore, our sages teach that even in the times of the Messiah (Mashiach), we will continue to remember the Exodus. This raises the question: If time is a spiral and we relive things cyclically, why do we need to recall it every day?
The Deeper Meaning of “Mitzrayim”
The Hebrew word for Egypt, “Mitzrayim,” is related to “meitzar,” meaning “constraints” or “boundaries.” Thus, coming out of Egypt also symbolizes breaking free from personal limitations.
Every day, at least twice (morning and night), we are encouraged to overcome our personal barriers. These limitations may be imposed by society, the people around us, or even by our own self-doubt—thoughts like “I can’t do this,” “It’s too difficult,” or “I wasn’t raised this way.” Leaving “Mitzrayim” in a personal sense means pushing past these self-imposed limits and growing spiritually and personally.
Two Types of Liberation
There are two ways to “come out of Egypt”:
- Overcoming limitations that go against G-d’s will Some barriers prevent a person from fulfilling G-d’s commandments. For example, if G-d commands us not to steal, yet someone steals, they are acting against divine will. Overcoming such limitations means aligning one’s life with G-d’s commandments. If G-d requires something from us, He also provides us with the strength to fulfill it.
- Overcoming limitations within holiness Even those who already follow G-d’s commandments can still experience a form of spiritual “exile.” This happens when one performs mitzvot (commandments) out of habit, without passion or joy. The prophet Jeremiah criticized the Jewish people for fulfilling mitzvot merely because they were accustomed to doing so, rather than engaging with them wholeheartedly.
Another form of “exile within holiness” occurs when one’s motivations are self-serving. Some may observe mitzvot to gain honor, wealth, recognition, or even a reward in the afterlife. While their actions may be correct externally, their inner motivations are flawed. True service to G-d means fulfilling His will simply because that is what we were created to do.
A Continuous Journey
From the historical Exodus to the personal and spiritual struggle of overcoming limits, the theme of “Yetziat Mitzrayim” is ever-present. Every moment of our lives presents an opportunity to ask ourselves:
- Am I truly serving G-d?
- Why am I serving Him?
- Can I improve my service to Him?
May G-d grant us the strength to continuously strive for greater spiritual growth and to overcome all forms of personal and spiritual limitations.timately, this paves the way for the complete redemption with the coming of Mashiach, speedily in our days.
Talk from Rabbi Tuvia Serber
The above is a representation of the spoken text converted to written text.
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