Let's Drink to That!

Several words of introduction. First of all, the title refers to the mitzva to drink wine at the Seder, and to the well-known concept that the Four Cups correspond to the aspects or levels of Redemption. Secondly, this week's Meaning in Mitzvot by Rabbi Asher Meir also talks about the terms of Redemption and the wine at the Seder, but what will be written here is different. Third, the ideas about to be expressed have appeared in various forms in many past issues of Torah Tidbits — most recently, last week. Yet, I feel so strongly about the message here, that no amount of repetition is too much. Especially since there is a new angle (new for TT, that is) that I hope to include. And especially since the OU Solidarity Group is with us in Yerushalayim this Shabbat, as are many other Jews from abroad at this time, and I want them to hear this message well. I truly believe that these words have to go via your eyes to your brain and from there to your heart and soul. As I often say, for those who are living in Eretz Yisrael, let these words be CHIZUK and "ammunition" for your "conversations" with family and friends on the topic of living in Eretz Yisrael. 

For those who do not live here, but really want to, let this also be CHIZUK and IDUD (encouragement) to proceed with increased vigor and tachlis towards Aliya. And for those fellow Jews who don't really see why the illegal Jewish settlements (as Rabbi Riskin often says) of Boro Park, Monsey, Teaneck, etc. and too many other etc. are not the ultimate venues for a complete Torah life, let these words reawaken in your hearts and souls the aspiration to truly be taken out of Egypt and become G-d's Nation. A too long introduction — I'm sorry. (But not really.)

The point. (Or points.) If G-d took us out of Egypt only because of His promises to the Avot, and without letting us know what He was doing, and without any kind of notice and "warning", and without a commitment on our part towards Him, if that were true, then we're out of the loop (as they say) and there is no more to say. When we were poised at the shore of the Sea and called out to G-d for help, Moshe said, G-d will fight for us and we remain silent. Do not infer from this that we were not willing partners well aware of our commitments. We knew and we know. Therefore, says G-d to Moshe, say to the people of Israel...

And He said to us that he will take us out of Egypt, give us the Torah, and bring us into the Land of Israel. That's the DEAL. If we betray G-d and abandon the Torah, we are punished and exiled. When we are in the Land and betray it, we are spit out. 

What about when we are in exile and have the ability to come back? Is it not a betrayal of G-d and the Land not to return to Eretz Yisrael and build her, physically, economically, and spiritually? 

When we were taken into captivity and we cried by the rivers of Bavel, and we remembered Zion — that was praiseworthy and to our credit.

But when we can do more than cry, and we suffice with mournful tears for the destruction of Jerusalem, is that enough?

When we cried out to G-d at the Sea, He asked Moshe why were doing that – tell them to MOVE IT!

When we hear the wonderful prophecy of Redemption in Parshat Va'eira, we should not relate to it as a "once upon a time, a long time ago". No prophecy in Tanach is JUST a story – certainly not the Prophecy of Moshe Rabeinu. 

When G-d tells Moshe to tell the People that He is going to redeem us, and make us into His Nation, and give us the Torah and take us into Eretz Yisrael, it behooves us to get excited, to personalize and internalize the message... and to do something about it!