This week, we read in the Parshah how the Jews finally left Egypt! First, we learned of the nation’s dramatic descent to Egypt, its enslavement and Moshe Rabbeinu’s mission from Hashem to deliver the Jews from Egyptian bondage. This week, after ten plagues, it finally happens; the entire Jewish nation leaves Egypt under Moshe’s leadership.
Hashem gives the Jews very detailed instructions for their departure. Among them is to bring a Korbon Pesach, a Paschal lamb the night before they leave. This is why throughout the generations, when there was a Bais Hamikdosh, the Jews brought a Pesach sacrifice the day before the holiday, which they ate that evening. The years that there was no Temple (may it speedily be rebuilt) the Jewish Nation has a Seder with a remembrance of the offering.
Specifically, the Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu to[1] “Speak to the entire community of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month, let everyone take one lamb for each home, a lamb for each household … You shall have a perfect male lamb in its first year; you may take it either from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it for inspection until the fourteenth day of this month, and the entire congregation of the community of Israel shall slaughter it in the afternoon.’”
There is something here that requires explanation. We said that throughout the generations, Jews would offer the sacrifice the day before Pesach (the 14th of Nissan), and eat it that night. There is no mention of taking the animal on a specific date. Yet on the very first Pesach when the Jews were actually leaving Egypt, the commandment was to take it “on the tenth of this month.” In other words, they had to keep the animal in their homes for four days. Why?
Rashi asks this question. “Why was the designated animal four days before its slaughter? This was not required in the Passover sacrifice of later generations.”
One answer to this question is as follows. One can make a decision to do something radical on the spur of the moment, without really considering the facts. Sheep were one of the deities of the Egyptians. It could be very dangerous for the Jews to slaughter these animals in front of the Egyptians who worshipped them.
Four days allows enough time for rational consideration; for one to make a rational, calm decision. The fact that they did wait four days, demonstrated that they sincerely followed Hashem.
May the words of the prophet be fulfilled[2]; “As in the days of your exodus from Egypt, I will show wonders (with the coming of Moshiach).”
Wishing one and all a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 16, Page 114
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR MOTHER
Mrs. Brocha bas Reb Tzvi Nechemiah Hacohen O.B.M. Cohen
Passed away on 8 Shevat, 5778
May Her Soul be bound in the Eternal Bond of Life
*
DEDICATED BY HER FAMILY
* * *
לעילוי נשמת
מרת ברכה בת ר’ צבי נחמי’ הכהן ע”ה כהן
נפטרה ביום ח ‘שבט, ה’תשע”ח
ת. נ. צ. ב. ה.
*
יוצא לאור ע”י בני משפחתה שיחיו
[1]. Our Parshah, Shemos 12:3-6.
[2]. Micha 7:15.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 