The Children of Israel had Light in their Dwelling Places

by HaRav Dov Begon
Rosh HaYeshiva, Machon Meir

“There was an opaque darkness in all Egypt, lasting three days. People could not see one another. No one left his place for three days. The Children of Israel, however, had light in their dwelling-places” (Exodus 10:22-23).

Rashi explains that there were different levels of darkness. For three days, people could not see one another. Then, for three days it was even darker and “no one left his place.” Someone sitting could not stand and someone standing could not sit.

This idea bears an allusion to the spiritual and emotional state of human beings. When people are withdrawn into themselves and cut off from their environment, it is as though “people cannot see one another.” Sometimes a person can be so depressed and so cut off from the world that it is as though he cannot move. He cannot change positions. If he is sitting he cannot stand, and if he is standing he cannot sit.

Conversely, if someone wishes to illuminate his soul and his life, and to spread light to those around him, he must “see” his brothers. He must notice them and love them. Such is the meaning of “The Children of Israel had light in their dwelling-places.” When someone is on a level such that he sees and notices every Jew, is connected to his surroundings, and loves G-d’s people and world, he merits to have light in his heart and to spread light to others.

Right now, we need to increase love and faith, to see and notice and love one another. We must follow in the path of Aaron, the High Priest, who loved peace and pursued it, who loved his fellow men and brought them near to the Torah. If we do this, then “all of Israel will have light in their dwelling-places.”

Looking forward to complete salvation,
Shabbat Shalom.