parsha thought

On a Lighter Note...

Light

There was thick darkness over the entire land of Egypt for three days. [One Egyptian] did not see his brother, and no one rose from his place for three days, but for all the children of Israel there was light in their dwellings -- Exodus 10:22-23.

As opposed to the other nine plagues which afflicted the Egyptians in a very physical way, each causing catastrophic personal and/or property damage, the Plague of Darkness didn't cause any tangible harm.

The absence of light denies people the ability to see their surroundings, making it very difficult to discern objects or people in their vicinity. While humans are endowed with another four senses, each providing the ability to become somewhat familiar with one's surroundings, none are as critical as sight. Lack of sight is such a major impediment that our sages tell us that to a certain degree a blind person is considered to be lifeless.

The world contains so many items which are designed to improve our lives. Without light, however, the most helpful of implements is reduced to a mere obstacle in one's path. A chair, a table, or a mountain of gold for that matter will trip up the person who walks in darkness.

The Plague of Darkness which struck the Egyptians was a physical reflection of the Egyptians' spiritual state. On a spiritual level, light is provided by Torah and mitzvot -- "A mitzvah is a candle and Torah is light" (Proverbs 6:23). With the benefit of the illumination provided by Torah and its commandments, an entire new world comes to light.

Suddenly, those things which one considered to be obstacles are revealed for what they really are -- creations of G-d's intended to assist in one's spiritual journey.

Furthermore, light motivates to action, as opposed to darkness which breeds depression and lethargy. The "bright" environment created by light also allows people to rise above their self-centered tendencies and truly empathize with others.

The darkness which pervaded the Egyptian society didn't allow them to "rise from their place," they were mired in their own selfish desires and pursuits and couldn't envision a higher goal. And worse yet, they "could not see their brother," their selfishness precluded them from sharing in the joy of a friend or commiserating with them when in distress.

It is in our hands to brighten our lives, a step which in short order leads to personal redemption.