Kenneth Cohen

Egypt Twice Daily

The story of the exodus from Egypt is mentioned twice daily in our prayers. The Rabbis inserted the chapter discussing Tzitzit in the nighttime Shema because of the mention of יציאת מצרים, the exodus from Egypt.

We recite this reference in the Haggadah when we quote the verse that tells us to remember Egypt, all the days of our lives. This includes morning and evening.
The reason why this is so important is because it reminds us of the time when Hashem revealed Himself with open miracles. No other nation or religion, began with such signs and wonders, as witnessed by our ancestors.

It was also a lesson about the nature of G-d. He only acts with outward miracles when our survival is at stake. Otherwise, He acts in a more subtle or secret manner. The miracles are still there, but we need to open our eyes to recognize them.
It is interesting to note that one of the Messianic prophecies was that the miracles that we will witness in the future, will make the miracles of Egypt look very small.
We will praise Hashem for those miracles that will “come from the North,” rather than the miracles of Egypt. We are living in miraculous times. The events of the last two years demonstrate this.

We will continue to mention the exodus from Egypt twice daily. But our responsibility is to acknowledge all present miracles just as we acknowledge the miracles of the past. Hashem will not sleep or slumber. He will always protect His children, Israel forever and ever.

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com
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