Parshas Shemos- Not Slaves to Man

Baruch Hashem we are beginning a new Sefer, and exploring the story of the Exodus. This week’s Parsha highlights a message in mentality, and in self-definition, that is as applicable today as it was three thousand years ago. Servitude and salvation is an ongoing theme that can assist us in many ways.

Parshas Shemos discusses the Jewish servitude in Egypt, the development of Moshe Rabbeinu, and his position as the Go’el. The Parsha begins with a list of the names of the family of Yaakov, who had previously descended to Egypt. Rashi (1:1) explains that the Torah is highlighting how beloved these holy tzaddikim are in the Eye’s of Hashem. He counts and lists them in their lifetime, and after their death, as well.
This is somewhat puzzling. The Torah could have mentioned the passing of this past generation at the end of Sefer Bereishis, and mentioned their names too. This would have accomplished the same message. Then, the new Sefer could begin with an introduction that focuses on the theme of the new reality of exile. Why does the Torah instead introduce galus Mitzrayim with the repetition of the old generation? 

After fleeing Egypt under the threat of death, Moshe arrives in Midian. He marries Tzippora, and swears to her father, Yisro, that he would not leave Midian before asking permission. Hashem meets Moshe at the “burning bush” and enjoins him to return to Egypt, as the redeemer of the Jews. After seven days of refusal and arguments, Moshe finally relents, accepting the mission. He approaches his father-in-law to ask permission to leave, stating: “... let me go now back to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive” (4:18). Yisro agrees. 

Moshe did not need to provide a reason for his travel. He could have simply stated that he was traveling back to visit his family. However, once he decides to provide a reason, it should be one that is truthful. He was not returning to see if the Jews were still living. He was traveling to redeem them. They were certainly still alive, as per the Word of Hashem. How are we to understand this request of Moshe Rabbeinu?

Moshe sets off on his mission, and Hashem instructs him to tell Pharaoh that the Jews are My “firstborn son” (4:22). Rashi (quoting Midrash) explains that with these words, Hashem validated the sale of the firstborn rights from Eisav to Yaakov. 

This transaction had occurred many years prior. Why is this the appropriate time to teach this message? How does it relate to the current storyline?  

Pharaoh was dealing with a dilemma. One one hand, the Jews were becoming numerous and powerful, representing a threat to the continuum of Egyptian dominance. On the other hand, to expel them from Egypt would be an extreme loss to the kingdom, in an economical and practical sense. He needed to determine an approach that would subdue this growing fifth column, under the rulership of Egypt. The solution (as elaborated in Meseches Sotah) was to slowly introduce the Jews into servitude, and in doing so, to cement their position as slaves of Mitzrayim. Reinforcing this role as slaves would then create a mentality that reflected this plan. The Jews would begin to see themselves as slaves. They would then understand that being slaves to Pharoah in Mitzrayim was their essence, and this would naturally quash any issues of rebellion. An essential slave does not seek to be freed, or to rebel. 

In reality, the Jewish people were free men, who happened to currently be in servitude. The Torah highlights this in listing the names of the previous generation. The Jewish people were children of Reuvain, Shimon, etc. They were essentially, at their core, free people, like their ancestors. Those Jews who could continue to see this, would maintain the mentality that would be necessary for redemption. Those who could not would have no impetus to be redeemed. 

Moshe understood this, and was perturbed as to the solution. He voiced that he was going to Egypt to see if the Jews were still alive. Certainly they were alive in the literal sense. Moshe was emphasizing that he was unsure if the Jews still viewed themselves as free men, worthy of redemption. Perhaps the slave mentality had become so pervasive that this task would be impossible. Hashem responds that the Jews are my “firstborn son”. Yaakov bought the bechora, and he is not to be a slave to Eisav, but rather the inverse. Eisav would serve Yaakov (Toldos 27:40). A Jew is not a servant to any mortal man, and only serves Hashem. This would be the mission of Moshe. Remind those who seem to have forgotten this reality, thus encouraging them to again yearn for redemption. 

Pharoah was incredibly successful in his plan. Only twenty percent of the Jewish populace eventually left Egypt. The slave mentality had an extremely strong hold. Likewise, throughout history, our enemies have employed similar strategies. Dehumanizing and degrading the Jews, and utilizing all kinds of propaganda against us, has led to our own negative self-perception. However, we must always remember that we are the children of our holy, lofty ancestors. This is our true essence. With that clarity, we can maintain a strong, unwavering service to the only Master we serve, HaKadosh Baruch Hu. 

Please email yshifman@gmail.com with questions, comments, or to be added to mailing list