Choosing to be Redeemed

The night of the exodus from Egypt can be viewed in two ways. The common and prevalent story relates to Yetziat Mitzraim as a night of redemption: God Himself goes through the land of Egypt to smite the firstborns, while Bnei Yisrael feast on the Pessah sacrifice in the safety of their homes. At midnight redemption truly takes place: the defeated Egyptians beg Moshe to leave Egypt, and Bnei Yisrael arrange to leave Egypt behind and go toward their freedom the following morning, while the Egyptians showered them with gifts (12:33-36).

But another voice emerges from the biblical text: Bnei Yisrael sat terrified, imprisoned in their homes, while outside the destroyer – the Angel of Death – wreaked havoc. Only a thin layer of sacrificial blood on the door post protected them from the terrible fate of the Egyptians. Ultimately, the Egyptian rage caught up with Bnei Yisrael, who were banished by their lords. The eviction was done so hastily, that the nation was unable to prepare adequate food for the road: "...the dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves" (12:39).

Some of the people who chose to take this negative approach to the events died during the three days of the Plague of Darkness (Tanhuma BeShalah 13:1); but others were redeemed with the rest of the nation. These are the Erev Rav (mixed multitudes) who voiced every complaint and negative sentiment throughout the journey in the desert, led by Datan and Aviram the rabble-rousers.

The choice to view Yetziat Mitzrayim as a redemption or an expulsion is internal, and reflects a moral and ideological stance. Each of the positions can be implemented and justified throughout personal or national historical processes. At times the critical stance, which is wary of deceitful messianism and false hope, is correct. However, the interpretation of events, and choice to be on the side of the redeemed rather than on the side of the faultfinders, is up to us. Sometimes the choice of positive interpretation in and of itself leads to the desired results.

One of the values embedded in the many commandments that commemorate Yetziat Mitzrayim, is the education toward choosing to be included in those who view themselves as redeemed, and not among those who grumble and complain.

Our generation has also been given the option of viewing the current making of history in a positive or negative light, and we are fortunate to be among those who have chosen to believe that we are experiencing a process of redemption.

This is true in the personal realm as well as the national. One may choose to view everyday life, with its challenges and difficulties, as the road to salvation, improvement, and restoration. It is by our choice that we may merit to be on the side of the redeemed in every aspect of our lives, personal and national.

By the grace of God may we merit an unequivocal, complete, and hasty redemption, in our time.