What does geulah mean to us today? The situation in Egypt appeared hopeless. The Jewish people seemed on the verge of death. Hashem said, "I passed by and saw you covered in blood and I said, 'You will live through this blood.'" In Nissan, at the onset of spring when the world comes alive again, the Jewish nation was resurrected. Similarly, when Pesach comes each year we can tap into that power of renewal.

Chazal tell us that one who does not say, Pesach, Matzah, and Maror at the seder has not fulfilled his obligation. In order to understand the nature and potential of the yom tov of Pesach we must focus on the meaning of these concepts. The Chatam Sofer notes that there were two great tests the Jews faced at the end of the exile. The first occurred during the plague of darkness. Their Egyptian masters couldn't see or move. Normally slaves in that situation would grab any possessions they could find and escape with them. But the Jewish people went against their nature and stayed behind. They waited for Hashem's command to leave. The second test happened on the night of Pesach. While the tenth plague claimed numerous lives, and grief and terror reigned on the streets, the Jews followed Hashem's directive and stayed inside. They sat calmly in their homes. There was no fear, only total reliance on Hashem's promise that He would redeem them.

This is what Pesach signifies. It may be dark and frightening outside, but we are at peace inside. Rav Hirsh writes that on that first Pesach we gained the strength and endurance to face the travails of exile with faith. We survived death at birth and we will continue to exist to bring creation to its ultimate purpose. Pesach means believing that we're not alone, that there's a reason for all that happens.

The constellation of the month of Nissan is a sheep. Sheep will follow their shepherd blindly through rough terrain and winding mountains and valleys. They trust that they will safely reach their ultimate goal. Many times we may not see Hashem's guiding hand. Yet we must remain faithful, trusting Hashem that He will lead us to our final destination. Mankind's history in one sentence is Hashem leading us to our destiny. We say this in Shemone Esrei, "U'mevi goel... lma'an shemo." He brings the redeemer now, as we live. Every step we take through life as a nation and as an individual is a step towards redemption

Hashem gave us independence through obligation, by commanding us to bring the Pesach offering. When the Jews took the sheep, the idol of their Egyptian masters and slaughtered it, they proved themselves brave and obedient to receive the Torah. In exile, they were unified through the suffering of slavery. Now they became one by reaching out and sharing the korban Pesach with others. The Pesach offering created us internally. We became independent, elevating the means Hashem gave us in a way that expressed justice and love for others.

The paschal lamb had to be tamim, completely perfect. This teaches us that every aspect of who we are emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually, has to be fully directed towards a purpose. It had to be a male animal which signifies strength and freedom. We must be independent yet loyal to the Shepherd. Autonomy and submission seem contradictory. But in truth, what gives us true freedom is accepting a Higher Authority. Not doing so makes us slaves to our vices. The lamb had to be no older than a year. So too we must keep ourselves young in spirit and enthusiastic about our purpose and mission.

On the night of Pesach, Hashem recreates us, guards us, and ensures our existence forever. In return we show our loyalty to him, letting Him guide us when we cannot see, believing and knowing that He is leading us to our ultimate purpose.