Magazine
Receiving a legal code at Sinai was an unexpected twist that seemed to have nothing to do with Israel’s understanding of liberation. There suddenly arose a need to strengthen the people’s trust in Moshe.
Since the Torah was forced on Israel, some could argue that it doesn’t naturally fit our identity.
The very act of eating a lamb – an Egyptian deity – on the eve of the Exodus symbolizes the consumption & internalization of those Egyptian values that were worthy of being uplifted as part of the redemption.
The plagues demonstrate the ethical gap between the nations of Israel & Egypt in the ancient world.
In order for us to participate in bringing the redemption, it’s necessary to know in whose Name we are acting, what mission mankind is fulfilling, & in what style HaShem is guiding the world.
While it’s true that Yosef didn’t become a ‘fourth patriarch’ of the nation of Israel, it’s also true that he gained some patriarchal traits in that both of his two sons became full fledged Israelite tribes.
Yosef’s efforts to build Egypt didn’t advance the Hebrew mission. The world can only be fixed through a powerful Israeli nation in our land.
An understanding of ancient Egyptian society can help us appreciate why Pharaoh’s wise men & sorcerers couldn’t see the meaning of his dreams.
Excessive involvement with personal repentance & growth, without any concern for the broader collective & its needs, can often lead to confusion.
While gathering the holy sparks hidden within other cultures is one of Israel’s hidden missions in exile, we must be careful not to delay our return home.
The Hebrew maidservants that tended to Israel’s matriarchs may have been part of a secret order meant to guard & educate them in serving HaShem.
Rivka wasn’t aware that she was carrying twins. Assuming there to only be one child in her womb, she had trouble understanding her experience.