Way Out, Pray out.
Rabbi Daniel Leeman
‘Shemos’, the second of the five books of the Torah, is ‘the book of exile and redemption’. In the book of Shemos though, we read not only of the exile and redemption, but also of the giving of the Torah, entering the land of Israel and also all of the lengthy details of the transportation and building of, and finally the service in the Tabernacle. Accordingly it is pointed out, that even though we might have been physically redeemed from Egypt, the spiritual redemption was incomplete until the Children of Israel returned not only to their homeland but also to the level of their forefathers (upon whom the Divine presence dwelled) [1].
And so, just like the very first verse of ‘the book of exile and redemption’ deals with the exile, so too the book continues until the complete, spiritual redemption has taken place [1].
(Excuse me for being pedantic, but…) Why then do we not conclude with the verse “the honour of G-d filled the Tabernacle” [2]? Instead we include the final few verses reiterating how the clouds of glory would ascend above the Tabernacle during the day and how a pillar of fire would take its place at night to the eyes of the Children of Israel throughout their journeys?
The story is told of a man who was driving without a license and without insurance (not advisable!). He stopped at a crossroads and for some reason reversed into the car behind him. To make matters worse for him a police car pulled up. The police officer first spoke to the other driver and only afterwards made his way over to the guilty party.
The man sat in his car helplessly expecting the worst. But then he prayed with all his heart although he was unsure how on earth his prayers could have helped him. But then the unbelievable happened: the police officer instructed him to be on his way! The man was in utter shock and was also confused, until the officer added, “We have been following him (the other driver) for a while now. He is clearly drunk. Do you know what he said?” the officer began to laugh, “That you stopped at the crossroads and then reversed into him… what a story!
Daytime is light and therefore represents clarity, whereas night is dark and represents uncertainty. Perhaps the book of exile and redemption concludes with the presence of the honour of G-d by day and night throughout the journeys of the Children of Israel alluding to G-d’s presence throughout our life journeys. Sometime His presence is as clear as day, but other times it might seem like our situation is completely hopeless. But even then, if we genuinely call out to Him, we might just be surprised!
Have a smashing Shabbos,
Additional sources:
Story told by R’ Zaid
[1] Ramban, intro. to Shemos [2] Shemos 40:34, 35
SHORT VORT, Rabbi Moshe Kormornick. Published by Adir Press. $9.99 in stores worldwide and online here
Whether you are looking for something meaningful on the Parsha, an uplifting thought for Yom Tov, or have been asked to speak at a Simcha – “Short Vort” is the book for you! With over 140 incredible short vorts packed with stories and valuable life messages, you will never be lost for something inspiring to say.
Rabbi Moshe Kormornick is a popular writer whose words are enjoyed by thousands of readers every week.
