This week's parsha features some of the most heavily-discussed features in the landscape of Jewish religious observance. In the piece that follows, our member Rabbi Paul Bloom takes a deeper view, contrasting the perspectives of the Rambam and the Baal HaTanya on the Exodus and examining the symbolism of three iconic mitzvah items.
Parshat Bo introduces numerous mitzvot, ranging from Rosh Chodesh
to tefillin. As Pesach approaches, just two short months away, we are reminded
of a profound and timeless message: the potential to transform our lives. The
mitzvot of Pesach, Matza, Maror, and the recounting of Yetziat Mitzrayim
(the Exodus from Egypt) hold within them the power to inspire change.
Experiencing Yetziat Mitzrayim in Every Generation
רַבָּן גַּמְלִיאֵל הָיָה אוֹמֵר, כָּל שֶׁלֹּא
אָמַר שְׁלֹשָׁה דְבָרִים אֵלּוּ בְּפֶסַח, לֹא יָצָא יְדֵי חוֹבָתוֹ, וְאֵלּוּ הֵן,
פֶּסַח, מַצָּה, וּמָרוֹר. פֶּסַח, עַל שׁוּם שֶׁפָּסַח הַמָּקוֹם עַל בָּתֵּי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ
בְמִצְרַיִם. מַצָּה, עַל שׁוּם שֶׁנִּגְאֲלוּ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ בְמִצְרַיִם. מָרוֹר, עַל
שׁוּם שֶׁמֵּרְרוּ הַמִּצְרִים אֶת חַיֵּי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ בְמִצְרָיִם. בְּכָל דּוֹר וָדוֹר
חַיָּב אָדָם לִרְאוֹת אֶת עַצְמוֹ כְאִלּוּ הוּא יָצָא מִמִּצְרַיִם, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר
(שמות יג), וְהִגַּדְתָּ לְבִנְךָ בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא לֵאמֹר, בַּעֲבוּר זֶה עָשָׂה ה'
לִי בְּצֵאתִי מִמִּצְרָיִם
Rabban Gamliel would say: Anyone who does not say these three things on Pesach has not fulfilled his obligation, and these are they: PESACH, MATZA, AND BITTER HERBS.
In each and every generation a person must view himself as though he personally left Egypt, as it is stated: “And you shall tell your son on that day, saying: It is because of this which the Lord did for me when I came forth out of Egypt” (Exodus 13:8).
Rabban Gamliel emphasized the centrality of three elements
in the Pesach Seder: Pesach (the Paschal lamb), Matza, and Maror. These symbols
form the foundation of our obligation to recount the story of the Exodus,
serving as tools for both reflection and personal growth. They remind us that
just as Hashem liberated our forefathers from Egypt, so too can we be freed
from our own personal “Mitzrayim”—the limitations, challenges, and blockages
that prevent us from achieving our spiritual potential.
Two Approaches to Experiencing the Exodus
The Rambam and the Baal HaTanya offer complementary perspectives on
how to internalize the Exodus.
1, The
Rambam’s Approach: Imagination and Gratitude The Rambam encourages us to use our
imagination to relive the Exodus. He acknowledges the difficulty of feeling
gratitude for an event that occurred thousands of years ago. To overcome this,
he suggests we mentally place ourselves in the shoes of those enslaved in
Egypt: imagine the beatings, the humiliation, and the oppression. Then,
contrast that with the freedom and dignity Hashem has granted us. This “method
acting” approach helps us cultivate a profound sense of gratitude. Even in
recent history, we’ve witnessed similar brutality and oppression. Yet, our
nation has endured, and this resilience demands recognition and appreciation.
2. The Baal
HaTanya’s Approach: Overcoming Personal Limitations The Baal HaTanya expands the
concept of “Mitzrayim” to mean “metzarim”—limitations and constraints. Each of
us faces personal struggles that confine us, whether it’s arrogance, laziness,
materialism, or self-doubt. These are attributes that are blocking
us, they're paralyzing us, they're stopping us from moving forward and
achieving our spiritual goals in life. Our goals can be learning more Torah,
doing more Chesid or moving to Israel. Every single person has a mitzrayim and
every single person needs see it within themselves Just like Hashem took our
forefathers out of Egypt , we look for Hashem to help us out of our
personal mitzrayim
The verse in Tehillim (118:5) encapsulates this idea:
מִן־הַמֵּצַר קָרָאתִי יָּהּ, עָנָנִי בַמֶּרְחַב
יָה
David Hamelech said: In my distress I called
on the LORD.
The LORD answered me and set me free
Just as Hashem freed our ancestors, He empowers us to break free
from our personal constraints and grow spiritually.
The Symbolism of Pesach, Matza, and Maror
1. Maror:
Acknowledging Bitterness Maror symbolizes the bitterness of
slavery. It teaches that the first step to freedom is recognizing one’s
enslavement. Whether it’s anger, selfishness,materialism or bad
habits, we must honestly confront our shortcomings. Without this
self-awareness, there’s no motivation for change. As Albert Einstein famously
said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting
different results.” Maror reminds us to confront our challenges head-on.
2. Matza:
Taking Action Matza represents humility and decisive action. Unlike chametz,
which rises and ferments naturally, matza requires vigilance and effort to
prepare. The Maharal explains that chametz symbolizes inertia—the tendency to
let things happen passively. Matza, on the other hand, signifies seizing the
moment and taking proactive steps toward growth. Insight alone is insufficient;
it must lead to concrete action.
3. Pesach:
Unity and Commitment The Korban Pesach emphasizes community.
It could not be brought alone; individuals were required to join a group. This
underscores the importance of connection and mutual support. As Shlomo Hamelech
writes in Kohelet: “Two are better than one, for if one falls, the other can
lift him up.” True growth often requires the help of others—friends who inspire
and challenge us, and whom we can support in return.
The Journey of Redemption
The sequence of Maror and Matza offers a profound lesson. While
logically, one must first identify their limitations (Maror) before taking
action (Matza), the Seder reverses this order. Why? Because focusing solely on
one’s flaws can lead to despair and paralysis. By first recognizing our
capacity for growth and positive change (Matza), we build the strength to
confront our challenges (Maror) and ultimately integrate the two (eating them
together) to create the personal change for real growth..
A Collective and Personal Exodus
Although every individual’s “Mitzrayim” is unique, we do not
journey alone. The Pesach Seder reminds us of the dual nature of redemption: it
is both personal and communal. Each of us faces our own struggles, yet we
support and uplift one another along the way. Just as Hashem orchestrated the
redemption from Egypt, He continues to guide us in overcoming our personal
limitations.
As we prepare for Pesach, may Hashem grant us the clarity to identify our “Mitzrayim,” the courage to take action, and the support of a loving community to accompany us on our journey. Together, we can experience our own Yetziat Mitzrayim and grow closer to our ultimate spiritual goals.
