Passover תרנ”ה-תרנ”ו 19
איתא במד’ יצ”מ קשה כמ”ש לקחת גוי מקרב גוי כו’.
“It is stated in the Midrash that the Exodus from Egypt was difficult, as it says: ‘to take a nation from within a nation,’ etc.”
The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, emphasizing the extraordinary difficulty and divine power involved in extracting Israel from within Egypt as a distinct nation.
כי ביצ”מ נבדלנו מן התועים ונבחרנו להיות עבדי ה’.
“For through the Exodus we were separated from those who stray and were chosen to become servants of God.”
The essential meaning of the Exodus is not merely physical liberation but the spiritual distinction of Israel, chosen for divine service.
לכן יצ”מ עיקר.
“Therefore the Exodus is primary.”
Since it establishes Israel’s identity as God’s people, it remains the central event of redemption.
ואח”כ כשנבדלנו מהם התחילו להיות רודפים אותנו.
“And afterward, once we were separated from them, they began to pursue us.”
The separation created spiritual and historical tension, prompting the nations to pursue Israel.
ולזה הי’ הישועה בקי”ס.
“And for this came the salvation at the splitting of the Sea of Reeds.”
The miracle at the sea answered this new phase of persecution, providing definitive divine protection.
לכן צריכין לזכור יצ”מ וקריעת י”ס.
“Therefore we must remember both the Exodus and the splitting of the sea.”
Both redemptions are necessary: one for identity, the other for deliverance from pursuit.
והישועה בקי”ס הי’ לדורות כי לעולם בנ”י נרדפים מהאומות.
“And the salvation at the sea was for all generations, for Israel is continually pursued by the nations.”
The miracle established a perpetual promise of protection throughout Jewish history.
ומ”מ עיקר שמחת בנ”י במה שהוציאנו ממצרים להיות נבדל מהם נמצא יצ”מ עיקר.
“Nevertheless, the main joy of Israel is that He brought us out of Egypt to be distinct from them; thus the Exodus is primary.”
Even though protection continues, the deepest source of joy is the foundational act of being set apart for God.
וקי”ס ישועה לדורות.
“And the splitting of the sea is salvation for generations.”
This enduring salvation complements the foundational Exodus.
ועל ב’ אלו משבחין להקב”ה כי הוא פודה ומציל:
“And for these two we praise the Holy One, for He redeems and saves.”
Israel praises God for both foundational redemption and ongoing protection.
Summary: The Sefat Emet teaches that the Exodus establishes Israel’s spiritual identity, while the splitting of the sea provides enduring protection. Both are essential elements of divine redemption.
