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The Significance of Exodus in Jewish Thought and Chassidus

Note: This is a short sampling of some of the classic Chassidic masters' thoughts on the Exodus from Egypt.  To learn more about any of these authors, please contact Rabbi Finkelstein.

By Rabbi Joel M. Finkelstein

Derashot HaRan- since the receiving of the Torah is one of the most important events in human history, it is important that the Torah's truth be established. Therefore it was done in Egypt where they were experts in sorcery. If they say it was not sorcery, it surely wasn't.

Maharal, Ramchal- after the first sin, the world needed fixing. The exodus fixes the world. The Israelites were purified by the Egypt experience.

Ohr Hahayim: the purpose of the slavery was to purify the 50 gates of impurity with the 49 gates of wisdom.

Sefas Emes, the Gerrer Rebbe: Don't think that the exodus is a punishment only, for it is a way to bring about redemption  afterwards. 

"The Degel"- exile was a lack of wisdom, and exodus was a spreading of wisdom. they fixed in Egypt the sparks which fell from the early days, in knowledge, Moshe is knowledge.

Shem Mishmuel- the 10 plagues were a healing to the Israelites and a plague to the Egyptians. Kotzker Rebbe: with the darkness, the Jews opened the light of "let there be light". 

Sefas Emes- G-d wanted to remove the shell of the ten sayings through the ten plagues, to reach the 10 commandments.