Lessons from Sefer Shemot and Today’s Challenges

This week we start sefer Shemot where we read about our slavery in Egypt and the eventual redemption and freedom Hashem gave us. While in Egyp, Bnei Yisrael went through a period of extreme suffering and harsh oppression. What guided us through was the emunah, faith, we had that Hashem would take us out and free us. We knew that from our suffering we would experience redemption and enter Israel. 

This period of our nation’s story reveals that even in the darkest of times, when the entire world is against us, we must hold on to our faith and trust in Hashem and His plan for us. Today our nation is yet again fighting to hold onto our faith in another time of darkness and tragedy. October 7th was formerly just a random date to all of us, but now it carries a deep sense of grief and loss. Our people are being held hostage in Gaza. Antisemitism is running rampant worldwide. Israel is under constant attack and threat. This is a time of fear and despair, but just as we were ultimately freed from bondage in Egypt, we will also be freed from the current state of affairs today. We will come out of everything stronger than before and united. 

The situation in Israel and for Jews worldwide is a painful reminder of the vulnerability and fragility of human life and our nation. Yet there are still moments of courage and hope within it. Thankfully, 33 of the hostages being held in Gaza are going to be coming home. While our hearts won’t ever be full until the remaining 68 are released, this is still a time for us to thank Hashem and remember that He will ultimately free us from the bondage we are experiencing today. Although what we are experiencing now and the events we went through in Egypt our different, Shemot teaches us the value of redemption and freedom, and the importance of emunah. 

As we go into Shabbat and start the story of Shemot, we must remember that Hashem hears our cries of oppression and will bring redemption to those who are enslaved. May we continue to have faith and keep fighting, and may all the hostages be freed.