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Torah Portion -
Bo
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Written by Rafi Jager
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As we have know, Hashem brings redemption only after man attempts, even minimally, to return to Him. Klal Yisrael, immersed in Egyptian morals and culture, were unable to return to Hashem even in a minimal nature. Accordingly, Hashem took pity on them and passed over the fact that they had not even attempted to return. Hashem Himself carried out the redemption from beginning to end.
We also find in this week’s Haftorah, that Hashem promises that He will redeem the Bnei Yisroel. "And you, don't fear, my servant Jacob, and don't be dismayed Israel, because behold I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity..." (Jeremiah 46:27). Why must the verse relate that the Bnei Yisroel will be redeemed "from afar"? If they are needy of redemption, does this not imply that they are in some way distanced from Hashem? Chazzal have taught that the ultimate redemption can come in one of two ways. If the Bnei Yisroel do teshuvah then the redemption will
come early. On the other hand, if they, G-d forbid, do not, the redemption will occur in its predestined time. Thus, in the Haftorah, Hashem comforts the klal Yisroel, telling them that even if they have sunk to a level at which repentance is close to impossible, the redemption will still come.
May it be the personal goal of every member of Klal Yisroel to do teshuvah, making even just a small opening. Then, collectively, we will merit an early redemption and witness Hashem's hand turning our pinpoints of repentance into great entrances of redemption.
Good Shabbos!
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