|
This Shabbat we read of the Exodus as it happened. The tenth and final plague is brought upon Egypt and the Jewish people are finally free from generations of slavery. We also encounter the first Mitzvah given to the Jewish people as a whole in this Parsha.
When we speak of Yetziat Mitzrayim, we talk of going "Me'Avdut L'Cheirut." We commemorate going from slavery to freedom. In actuality, our rabbis teach us that we are going Me'Avdut L'Avdut." We leave one form of slavery to subjugate ourselves as a nation under a higher, mightier power. We become Avdei Hashem - servants of Hashem. That is real freedom.
Freedom does not mean we are cleared of responsibility, but rather, it means we are given the choice and the onus of carrying a more weighty and meaningful responsibility.
It is quite meaningful for our family to be able to share the simcha of Gila's Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat. A twelve year old is no longer considered a child in the eyes of Jewish law. She now becomes more "Free" as she accepts the yoke of tradition and embraces the beauty of our covenantal family.
We look forward to celebrating with you all this Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom
|
