Roots of Redemption2 min read

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, this is not the case. In truth, the relationship between exile and redemption can be likened to the relationship between a question and an answer. The more difficult and profound the question, the deeper and more illuminating the answer must be. In the same way, the darker and more difficult a given exile, the more glorious and epic the subsequent redemption must be. These are not merely two steps in an unrelated process. Rather, in a certain way, exile serves as the vessel for redemption: it is only when we experience the deepest darkness of the most difficult question that we can subsequently experience the great clarity of the most wondrous answer. The Jewish day starts with the nighttime; redemption does not begin where exile ends; redemption begins with the exile itself. 

This week starts the six-week period of Shovavim (mnemonic for “Shemos, Vaeira, Bo, Bishalach, Yisro, Mishpatim”) during which one can experience special divine assistance in the area of spiritual purity. One of the reasons given for why these particular weeks hold this special power is that we read the story of klal Yisrael’s redemption from slavery in Egypt in this period. Since these weeks hold the power of redemption, it is a special time for each member of our holy nation to break out of his or her personal slavery to physical desire.

The question is obvious. If the power of Shovavim is the energy of redemption, shouldn’t this special time period start from parshas Beshalach, where we read about krias Yam Suf and the Egyptian army’s destruction? If it was only then that klal Yisrael was finally free, isn’t that where the light of redemption shines in its full glory?

Based on this teaching from the Sefas Emes, the answer becomes clear. Now we understand that although the redemption may appear have to have culminated in parshas Beshalach, in truth, the deepest root and, indeed, the pinnacle of the redemption is hidden within Shemos, Vaeira and Bo, “Shov”, the darkness of the exile itself.

The Sefas Emes explains that this the deeper message of the burning bush. When Hashem appears to Moshe in the burning bush, He is demonstrating that it is not despite the great darkness of exile (symbolized by the lowly thorn bush), that the light of redemption (symbolized by the fire) shines so very brightly, but specifically because of it. The fact that the bush isn’t consumed by the flames teaches Moshe that exile is a necessary process that the light of redemption comes not to negate, but rather to illuminate, in order to demonstrate its necessity in the glorious process of growth.