Our story begins with the start of slavery and the official beginning of our first galut (exile).
Normally, every paragraph in the Torah has a distinct space at the beginning and the end of a section. In this parasha, however, there is no space. The previous section ends, and immediately, the next section begins without any gap. This teaches us that this is the beginning of galut.
When Yosef died, the true experience of exile started. It’s important to note that this is not just a poetic observation; it is a deep concept discussed by our sages.
Every gap between sections in the Torah symbolizes a moment for reflection—a necessary pause to think and process what was just learned. This pause is essential for human beings, providing the clarity of mind needed for growth. For a slave, however, this pause is taken away. A slave has no time to think independently, which is the essence of true slavery.
Pharaoh understood this when he intensified the Israelites’ labor. By denying them straw for brick-making, he ensured they would have no moments to think for themselves. This lack of mental space is what defined their slavery.
Similarly, in our modern lives, constant distractions—like phones, social media, and the endless chase for likes and follows—can enslave us. They rob us of the calm and focus needed for independent thought.
Breaking free from such imposed “slavery” allows a person to think independently, to be an individual thinker. This is the beginning of geula (redemption). Indeed, when redemption begins, as seen in the Song at the Sea (Az Yashir), the Torah text includes wide spaces, symbolizing freedom and reflection. Redemption is tied to the ability to pause, to think, and to sing one’s own song.
The parasha teaches us an essential lesson: the greatest enemy of the human soul is anxiety. When we lack the ability to think critically and make thoughtful, deliberate decisions, we become reactive rather than proactive. This leads to a life of chaos rather than order.
In our personal lives, achieving geula—our own redemption—requires creating moments of reflection and thoughtfulness. This allows us to make decisions with clarity and purpose. May we all learn to create space for thought and achieve our own personal redemption. Amen.
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The above quotes are taken from the original audio/video content.