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In this parsha

The final three plagues fall upon Egypt: locusts, a palpable darkness, and the death of the firstborn. Before the last blow, God gives Israel its first commandments as a nation, marking the new month of Nissan and the Pesach offering whose blood shields their homes. At midnight the firstborn die, and Pharaoh at last drives Israel out. The Torah then details the laws of Pesach for future generations, the consecration of the firstborn, tefillin, and the duty to recount the Exodus to one's children.

Themes

• Renewal beyond nature (Chodesh)
• The Exodus as new creation
• Tefillin refining thought, speech, deed
• Extracting holy sparks from Egypt
• Free will as creation's wonder
• Faith that renews the world

Must-read teachings

1. 1Repairing Creation Through Exodus“In the Midrash: ‘The weight of a stone... and the anger of a fool who provokes before Me with empty words…’” The Sefat Emet begins by citing a Midrash that contrasts true substance with the empty provocations of foolishness, preparing the …תרל"ד
2. 2Exodus as Renewal of Creation“In the Midrash: ‘A stone is heavy… and the anger of a fool is heavier…’” The Sefat Emet opens with a Midrash that contrasts physical heaviness with the destructive weight of foolish anger, preparing to explain how misuse of the world burde…תרנ"ו
3. 3Nissan as Inner RenewalIn the Midrash: “This month shall be for you”—once the Holy One chose Israel, He established for them a new moon of redemption. The Sefat Emet begins by stressing that the mitzvah of sanctifying the new month expresses Israel’s unique ident…תרנ"ד
4. 4Free Will as Creation's Wonder“In the Midrash: ‘The weight of a stone… and it is not labor.’” The Sefat Emet opens with the Midrash that contrasts true labor with something that only appears heavy but involves no real exertion. “In what shall I toil? In those who provok…תרל"ח
5. 5Exile Refining Good from EvilIn the verse: “And also a mixed multitude...”. The Sefat Emet begins by referencing the Torah’s mention of the mixed multitude that left Egypt with Israel. For behold, the entire exile was meant to clarify the mixture of good and evil. Exil…תרנ"א
6. 6Circumcision and Pesach Beyond NatureConcerning the commandment of the Passover offering, the Torah begins with “This month shall be for you.” The Sefat Emet opens by noting that the mitzvah of sanctifying the new month precedes the command to bring the Passover sacrifice. For…תרנ"ב
7. 7Tefillin Refining Thought Speech ActionThe commandment of tefillin as a sign upon your hand. The Sefat Emet begins by framing tefillin as a divine sign placed upon a person’s physical actions. As a remembrance between your eyes. This expands the mitzvah to the realm of awareness…תרנ"א
8. 8Creation Through Twenty-Two LettersThe children of Israel were called the hosts of God. This means Israel is identified as the divine “army,” those who manifest God’s presence in the world. For it is written: “It is a sign in His army.” The word “sign” hints that Israel embo…תרס"ד