The initial encounter between Moshe Rabbeinu and the Master of the world at the burning bush is arguably the single most significant encounter in history. The Sefas Emes reveals some of the deep symbolism in this awesome vision – the secret of exile and its relationship with the redemption in which Moshe is destined to play such a major role. Whereas we are inclined to think that the relationship between exile and redemption is simply that of problem and solution,…

In this week’s parsha, Hashem reveals a very special name to Moshe, the divine name of redemption: Ekyeh Asher Ekyeh – “I Shall be As I Shall Be”. Although the tzaddikim offer many different explanations for this name, all of them are founded upon its future-tense orientation. On a simple level, the reference to the future (“I Shall Be”) seems very appropriate in this context of laying the groundwork for the cessation of current Egyptian atrocities and ultimate redemption of…

And God saw the (suffering of) b’nei Yisrael, and God knew. MANY OF THE tzaddikim find this verse to be difficult. Did Hashem need to see the suffering of klal Yisrael in order for Him to know their dire predicament? Surely, the Omniscient God whose perfect knowledge is intrinsic to Him knows without needing to first see! The Avnei Nezer answers with a brilliant idea. Aside from its simple meaning, our sages teach that the word “da’as” contains two contrasting…