Class 012 – Yetzias Mitzrayim Bechol Yom
1. The Constant Mention of Yetzias Mitzrayim
One of the most frequently repeated themes in the Chumash is the reference to Yetzias Mitzrayim—the Exodus from Egypt. The Torah continually reminds us that Hashem took us out of Egypt. While the physical exodus was a one-time historical event, the concept of leaving Egypt is ongoing. Each of us has our own personal “Egypt”—our boundaries and places where we feel stuck. The Torah’s repeated mention of Yetzias Mitzrayim teaches that we must constantly strive to break free from these limitations and move beyond our personal constraints.
2. The Structure of the Double Parsha and the Role of Revi’i
This week, we read a double portion: Behar and Bechukosai. Notably, Bechukosai concludes Sefer Vayikra, which is why we say Chazak Chazak v’Nischazek—“Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened”—at the end. When two parshiyos are read together, the fourth aliyah (Revi’i) always serves as the connector between them. With seven aliyos, three are read from the first parsha, three from the second, and the fourth aliyah bridges the two. This week, Revi’i covers the end of Parshas Behar and the beginning of Parshas Bechukosai, highlighting the transition and connection between the two sections.
3. “Bnei Yisrael Avodim” – The Deeper Meaning of Servitude
Towards the end of the parsha, in the section read for Revi’i, the Torah states: Ki li bnei Yisrael avodim—“For the children of Israel are My servants.” The verse repeats: Avodai heim—“They are My servants,” and continues, asher hotzeisi osam me’eretz Mitzrayim—“whom I took out from the land of Egypt.” This seemingly redundant language prompts the question: What is Hashem emphasizing here?
Rashi explains that Hashem took us out of Egypt with the intention that we become His people, His servants. The Torah is teaching that since we are Hashem’s servants, we cannot be servants to anyone else. This is why, even though the Torah discusses the laws of slavery, a Jew cannot truly become a slave. At most, a Jew can be sold as a worker for six years, as described in Parshas Mishpatim, but he is never the property of another person. Hashem declares, “They are Mine,” meaning He comes before anyone else in claiming our ultimate allegiance.
4. The Spiritual Implications of Servitude
The verse concludes with Ani Hashem Elokeichem—“I am Hashem your God.” Rashi explains that anyone who enslaves a Jew in this world is, in effect, enslaving them from Hashem. Hashem Himself will protect His people and ensure that such enslavement does not endure. This concept extends beyond literal slavery to a more metaphorical understanding: we can become enslaved to our own addictions and habits.
What is a slave? A slave is someone who lacks choice, compelled to obey the master’s will regardless of personal desire or understanding. Similarly, when we become addicted to certain behaviors—whether it’s drinking, overeating, gambling, excessive internet use, or any other habit—we may feel as if we have no choice, as if we are slaves to these impulses. The Torah tells us otherwise: since Hashem is our true master, we always retain the possibility of change and freedom.
5. Hashem’s Ownership and Our Power to Change
Hashem’s declaration that “I own you first” means that our neshamah—soul, our Jewish identity, and our connection to holiness—comes before all else. Even with all the distractions and temptations of the world, our essential self is bound to Hashem. This does not mean there are no challenges or attempts to enslave us, but it does mean that our core remains free and connected to Hashem.
When the body is enslaved, the soul is inevitably affected, as they work together. The Torah’s message is not only about literal slavery but also about the metaphorical enslavement we experience in our personal lives. The verse gives us courage and reminds us that we are ultimately indebted and connected to Hashem. If we truly desire, we can break free from our habits and addictions, reconnect with Hashem, and experience our own personal Yetzias Mitzrayim.
6. The Ongoing Challenge and Promise of Freedom
Hashem tells us, “I have taken you out of Egypt once, and you should know that you are therefore My servants. You cannot be slaves to anything else.” This is not just a restriction; it is a promise. If we want to, we can break free. Our true freedom comes when we align ourselves with our deepest identity—our connection to Hashem. Then, we are no longer slaves to our impulses or circumstances, but truly free to do what we genuinely want and are meant to do.