Rabbi Ron Segal
One week from now, we will gather around Seder tables in observance of Passover, and with Haggadahs in hand, retell the narrative of our ancestors’ exodus from Egyptian oppression. Among the more familiar parts of the Seder is when we recount the ten plagues.
An interesting teaching in Jewish tradition asserts that the plagues ascend in their degree of severity, from blood to the final plague of the death of all the firstborns in Egypt. Understood in this way, however, one could reasonably question why darkness is the penultimate plague when the people of Egypt have endured boils, hail, lice, and locusts. The Rabbis suggested that to truly grasp the severity of this plague, imagine a darkness so thick it could actually be touched, a darkness that pierced every soul and paralyzed the Egyptians in place for three days and nights. Alongside this terror, however, the Torah notes that “the Israelites enjoyed light in their dwellings.” The Rabbis suggest that the verse should be interpreted as referring to Egyptian dwellings as well as their own. In other words, were an Israelite to venture into the home of an Egyptian, he actually brought light with him.
Decades ago, Rabbi Michael Gold offered a commentary in which he suggested this interpretive take on the verse could be understood as a compelling charge for Jews today, particularly during the season of Passover when we recall our ancient redemption and journey from a place of darkness and oppression to one of light, hope and promise. “The Israelites enjoyed light in their dwellings” speaks to us of our responsibility to help infuse light and illumination into every place where darkness and suffering exist. Considering our fragile world in which brokenness, fear and darkness continue to spread throughout the earth at an alarming pace, let us fulfill our charge and our actualize our ability to reach out, to lift up, to provide support, and to offer strength wherever it is needed. Our tradition asserts that we have an obligation to be a light to the nations. May we embrace this responsibility and help to shine light into every space where darkness persists.
Wishing you and yours a meaningful Passover holiday!
