from the teachings of the Rebbe on the Torah portion
“These are the names of the Children of Israel who came to Egypt,” begins this week’s Torah portion, Shemot. The Midrash explains that the names of the Twelve Tribes which follow, enumerated when they made their descent into the land of Egypt, are mentioned in connection to the Jewish people’s eventual redemption from that land.
We see that the narrative which follows tells of the beginning of the Jews’ servitude, seemingly the direct opposite of their liberation and redemption. What is the meaning of this apparent contradiction?
Secondly, another opinion in the Midrash states that the names of the Twelve Tribes are mentioned to emphasize that they descended into Egypt with the names Reuven, Shimon... and ascended after the redemption with these very same names. The emphasis is on the merit of the Jewish people, that throughout the Egyptian exile, they did not change their names.
The implication of both these passages is that one must understand the descent into Egypt as a phase in the redemption of the Jewish people, and indeed, as connected with the ultimate redemption which will take place with the coming of Moshiach. In that context, the obligation to recall--and relive--the exodus from Egypt every day serves as a catalyst to bring about Moshiach’s arrival.
The Jews’ redemption from Egypt, the first of their four exiles, “is a great fundamental principle...of our Torah and faith,” according to our Sages. That first redemption represents the opening of the potential for all future redemptions. The freedom which was granted at that time continues at all times.
In a spiritual sense, the exodus from Egypt represents the liberation of the G-dly soul from the limitations of the body, and in general, of the triumph of the spirit over the limitations inherent in the material world. Our obligation to remember the Exodus every day therefore consists of the following:
- Every day, each of us must strive to go beyond his own personal boundaries and limitations;
- Our obligation to recall the Exodus at night refers to carrying out our service of G-d during the long “night” of our exile; and
- We will also be obligated to recall the exodus from Egypt after Moshiach comes, even though the final redemption will far surpass the one which took place in Egypt. The potential for evil will be totally eradicated, and the Jewish people will never again be exiled.
In fact, the entire period of time from the Egyptian Exodus until the Future Redemption is described as “the days of your exodus from Egypt,” for the exodus which began in Egypt will not be complete until the ultimate redemption is realized.
In practical terms, one must therefore anticipate the redemption and experience a foretaste of it in our daily lives by bringing a consciousness of Moshiach into all our actions, for doing so will act as a catalyst and hasten the actual coming of the redemption.
Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
By Rabbi Mendel Rubin
A few months ago, parents in Denver were called that their son was in a major accident, was brought to Albany Medical Center and at the time it was unknown if he would make it. Hearing this news they rushed to the Denver Airport and tried to book the first flight they could to Albany. Southwest does have direct flights from Denver to Albany, they booked the flight, rushed through security, made their way to the gate – but just missed the flight. It took off moments before they got to the gate.
They explored their options, they looked at the soonest flights available, perhaps they could fly elsewhere and make connecting flights, get a light to New York and Boston and drive 3 hours to Albany... they didn’t know how much time they had and they wanted to make it to be with their son.
Just then someone came out of Southwest Operations and said they should wait at the gate – the plane is coming back!
The couple couldn’t believe it. A plane turning back after take-off!? But they were anxious, how would all the passengers feel about coming back to pick up two passengers? The delay, the hassle, they were awkward about it. But the stewardess walked them onto the returned plane, found them their seats, there was zero fuss, and the flight took off again for Albany.
The father couldn’t help but ask the person in the seat next to him: “What did they tell you? How did they explain why the plane was turning back to Denver?”
Their fellow passenger told them: The pilot got on the mic and said what you were going through. He said if it were my son I’d want the plane to go back. But I have to ask the passengers, should we turn back to pick them up? And the whole plane shouted as one: “Go Back!”
Thankfully their son took an incredible turn for the better and we’re happy to share he was discharged after about a week of care and was able to go home with them!
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Two takeaways from the story (aside for the obvious testament of empathy by a full plane of travelers...)
We’re all pilots of our own destiny. We’re charting our course through the ups and downs, takeoffs and landings, across the vast expanse, and all the ports of call in our lives.
But we’re not flying solo. This pilot was able to do what he did because he had the backing and encouraging support of family and community.
We’re not alone. We each do our own thing but we’re better when we’re connected to the community, when we have others along for the ride, backing us up.
It’s not a small thing that the plane was quiet when they boarded. Everyone somehow understood that it was best that no fuss be made, no clapping, no cheers. Just quiet. To paraphrase the Talmud, sometimes we’re credited for what we say (as in the “Go Back!”) and sometimes for what we don’t say. Our experience is shaped by what we choose to do, and also by what we choose not to do. Both things.
This story was related by Rabbi Mendy and Devorah Leah Mathless who run the University Heights Chabad adjacent to Albany Medical Center and Bikur Cholim services to patients and families at this major regional hospital and trauma center. Over this couple’s Albany stay, the Mathlesses helped with Kosher food and support during that very trying time.
