The Exodus and the Future Redemption

by HaRav Dov Begon
Rosh HaYeshiva, Machon Meir

When Rav Kook sets out to direct us regarding how we must relate to the process of redemption that we are undergoing in our generation, he focuses on the difference between that process and the Egyptian Exodus. The latter was carried out “beChipazon” [in haste]. (Some say that the Egyptians acted in haste, and some say that the Israelites did -- Berachot 9a). All at once, the Israelites were transformed from a nation of slaves to a liberated people full of inner fortitude and nobility (Ma’amarei HaRe’iyah, page 165).

By contrast, what characterizes the future redemption, of which we are a part, is its gradualness, as in the Prophet Yishayahu's words, “You shall not leave in haste” (Yishayahu 52:12).

We are marching forward slowly toward the complete redemption. The purpose of that redemption is not to escape from Egypt or from the forty-ninth level of impurity, but to illuminate the whole world with the light of pure faith and to purge the Jewish People of all the alien traits whose stamp was left upon them during the dark exile.

The future redemption requires that we polish ourselves like a fine gem so that we can rid ourselves of all chaff and filth and light up the whole world with the precious light of our good and noble soul. As is known, polishing fine gems demands much time and patience.

Today, our generation is at the height of the redemption process. Precisely in these times, we must remember that “we will not leave in haste.” We need a great deal of patience and much faith. How fortunate we are that we have merited to see with our own eyes the fulfillment of Yechezkeil’s prophecy: “I will gather you out of all the countries and will bring you into your own land” (Yechezkeil 36:24). The day is not far off when we will merit also, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean... A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh... And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be My people, and I will be your G-d” (Yechezkeil 36:25-28).

Looking forward to redemption,
With the Love of Israel,
Shabbat Shalom.