The Need for Sinai

"Upon your taking out the nation from Egypt, they shall serve G-d on this mountain." (Exodus 3:12)


As we approach Passover, let's take a look at probably the most simple, and most fundamental, Passover question: Why did G-d Have to Enslave the Jewish People in Egypt!? Why couldn't we just have been given the Torah & moved on? Evidently, our time in Egypt had an intrinsic connection to the giving of the Torah.
It had to serve as some sort of a preparation...

It's interesting to note under whom the Jewish People have been victimized most. The first exiles were caused by the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and then Romans. Later it was the Inquisition in Spain, and we all know what happened 70 yrs. ago. in Germany (skipping many others). What do all of these nations have in common? They were leaders of their time. Culture, art, philosophy, modernity, government. These nations led the way in their respective times. And so did Egypt. At the time of their enslavement there, the Egyptians were an extremely advanced nation! The pyramids are a prime example of their architectural prowess at that time. Astronomy, mathematics, science; Egypt was the most advanced culture and nation of their time.

And perhaps that's what G-d Wanted to show us. 'Before I Give you the Torah, take a good look at the "advanced" human race. Maybe the world, maybe you, don't need Torah? Surely all can be found in the human mind and reason?' But the Jewish People saw a principle in Egyptian society, that has held true throughout history, in every nation across the world: Wisdom, advancement, does not correlate to true morality. From Egypt to modern Germany, from Plato to Mozart, genius and modern progress often has nothing to do with that person or nation acting justly. For that we need a set of Divine ideas & rules - beyond human thought - given by G-d: The Torah. "Chochma b’goyim ta’amin, Torah b’goyim al ta’amin - If you find Wisdom among the nations, believe it; Torah among the nations, don’t believe it."

The Jewish People had to experience the "best" the world had to offer, and only then, after realizing the emptiness, could they truly appreciate the Torah. "Yisron Ohr Min Hachoshech" - Great is light from darkness. As Passover approaches, let us remember that even here in 2011, in our very advanced and moral Western Civilization, only Torah can be our true guide for living a just life.

Shabbat Shalom!

-Daniel