Limitless Torah - Happy Shavuot 5786

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“I am Hashem your G-d who took you out of Egypt from the house of bondage.”  These are the opening words of the Ten Commandments that Hashem gave the Jewish people on Shavuot 3,338 years ago. They were the introduction to the 613 Mitzvot that are the vehicles by which we reveal Hashem’s light in the world and make it a home for Him. 


Hashem is the Creator of the entire world. It would seem that that is a greater accomplishment than freeing slaves from Egypt. Why not introduce Himself as the One on Whom everything depends?  


Another interesting point is why Hashem would have to remind the Jews that they were redeemed from Egypt. This was only a few weeks after they had ended 210 years of bitter exile there, and they hardly needed a reminder of the country in which they were slaves. He could have just said “who took you out of the house of bondage” and everyone would know He was referring to Egypt. 


Chassidus explains at length that Egypt is not just a country and the bondage is not just a historical event. The Hebrew word for Egypt, Mitzrayim, also means limits, restrictions and boundaries. 


In His “opening statement” to us, Hashem is telling us that we have the capacity to overcome all challenges that stand in the way of fulfilling our mission. Following the Torah is the most enlightening thing we can do for Hashem, for the world and also for ourselves, since there is nothing as fulfilling as living a life of purpose. But there are many many distractions and disturbances, from the world around us and within ourselves, that cause us to step back and miss our potential. 


Hashem came onto Mount Sinai and told us that we need not be stuck in our personal Egypt. If we commit to following His will, Hashem has given us the strength and ability to break out of any and all limitations, to grow every day, and to do our part to end the global Egypt and bring Mashiach. 


A couple of reminders about the great holiday of Shavuot that begins Thursday evening. Since Friday is Yomtov, we need to make an “Eruv Tavshillin” on Thursday in order to be able to cook and prepare on Friday for Shabbat. Please see the information here. 


As I wrote last week, it is customary for everyone to attend the reading of the Ten Commandments on Friday, men, women, children and even newborns. At Chabad we have two opportunities to join. Friday morning and afternoon. Please see details here. 


I wish you a great Shavuot experience, receiving the Torah with joy and deep inner feeling. 

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