Hashem Skipped Our Opening:
Rav Boruch of Mezhibozh zy”a (quoted in Botzina D’Nehora) explains this pasuk by quoting the Medrash (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 5:3) that says that Hashem asks us to open a small opening for Him, the size of the eye of a needle, and He will then open for us a huge door the size of a large chamber. This means that we have to make a small effort on our part, and, once we do so, He will take care of the rest.
In Mitzrayim, Hashem saw that Klal Yisroel had fallen to a low level and they could not even make this tiny opening. Therefore, He did not wait for us to do our part and He made the first opening. Thus, the pasuk is saying that He “passed over the door”, i.e., He skipped our opening and made the opening himself.
More in this printout
- Hints to All MoadimRav Boruch of Mezhibozh explains how the Parshios from Bo to Ki Sisa contain thematic hints to all the Jewish holidays, from Pesach through Purim.
- The Plague of Being Unable to See One's FriendRav Yaakov Emanuel Koppel explains that the plague of darkness represents the spiritual failure of being unable to see and respond to the needs of one's fellow.
- The Tzedakah One Gives Speaks on His BehalfA teaching from Rav Meir of Premishlan on how every piece of bread given to the poor advocates for a person in Heaven, followed by a miraculous story of rescue.
- Today, Chesed is The Main ThingRav Elimelech of Lizhensk explains that since the era of the Arizal, the pillar of gemilus chasadim has become the primary foundation for the world's existence.
- The Treasure of BitachonExplore the Lisker Rebbe's insight on why Bnei Yisroel borrowed Egyptian gold, revealing that true wealth lies in bitachon rather than material possessions.
- One Who Trusts in Hashem Merits Receiving His ChesedExplore how bitachon (trust in Hashem) directly influences Divine kindness, featuring insights from the Magid of Mezheritch and the Chozeh of Lublin.
- Animals Want to be Fed by HashemThe Tiferes Shlomo explains Tehillim 104:21, suggesting that lions roar in complaint because they would prefer to receive food from Hashem like herbivorous cows
- Emunah is a Segulah for a Long LifeDiscover how emunah and bitachon serve as a segulah for longevity, featuring insights from the Tiferes Shlomo and the Kotzker Rebbe on Chavakuk 2:4.
- The Booty Was a LoanRav Moshe of Lelov and the Ropshitzer Rebbe explain why Bnei Yisrael borrowed Egyptian gold to ensure they would never want to return to Egypt due to their debt
- Rapidly Ascending From Idol Worshippers to Lofty HeightsDiscover how Rav Dovid of Lelov inspired Dr. Bernard's transformation and why the transition from idol worship to holiness can happen in an instant.