From the Rabbi

The time had finally come for the Children of Israel to be freed from slavery. At that pivotal moment, Moshe gathers the people a speaks to them. One might have expected Moshe to reflect on the significance of the moment – railing against the evils of slavery and underscoring the deeper meaning of freedom and the responsibilities that it brings. He could have created continuity by connecting them to the legacy of their ancestors, Abraham Isaac and Jacob. He could have then prepared them for future challenges and tribulations. Instead, Moshe delivers instructions related to the various rituals they will perform before they actually leave and the rituals for commemorating this momentous occasion in the future. It seems strange.

 According to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, zt”l, Moshe’s words told the Israelites that “they had to become a nation of educators.” The rituals Moshe spoke of included what we can consider the first seder in history, known as the “seder mitzrayim – the Egyptian Seder.” He also spoke of future seder celebrations that would commemorate this special moment year after year. Moshe was not simply reminding them of their story, he was also imparting the knowledge they would need to effectively re-tell this important story from generation to generation. In order to teach, once needs to know. Let My People Go was now partnered with Let My People Know.

And so it has been for many generations now. Pesach is not that far off on the calendar. This week’s Torah portion reminds us that the more knowledge we have, the better we will be able to tell that seminal story. Knowledge is power! The resources available today are mindboggling. I encourage everyone to take advantage of them.

Shabbat shalom…and see you in shul!