As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And I shall smite every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from man to beast.” (12:12)

This was a demonstration of Israel’s distinction as the first-born of Hashem. (4:22) This principle of Israel’s distinction is so important that it merited the destruction of a great number of men and beasts. The precept of sanctifying every first-born of men and beasts (13:2) is a demonstration of this principle. The election of Israel as G-d’s people is the second most important principle in the entire Torah, inferior only to the fundamental teaching of Hashem as the Creator and the Master of the Universe.

Because of the vast greatness of this principle, the Plague of the First-born was the final Plague and also the Plague that caused Paro to set Israel free. The declaration “My first-born son is Israel” (4:22) opened the battle against Egypt, and the Plague of the First-born completed the liberation.

Because of this principle was the climax of the Redemption, it therefore becomes necessary to emphasize at all times, at least among ourselves, the supreme honor of being Hashem’s chosen ones. Every symbol of this principle must be utilized by choosing Jewish names, Jewish pastimes, Jewish customs and celebrations, in addition to the proud practice of all the requirements of the Torah.

Even while in Exile, while being loyal citizens, we avoid contact with others and imitation of any of their ways. For the First-Born of Hashem must never forget that this principle was the final cause of the Exodus from Egypt. Because they did not alter their names or their language and refused to assimilate, they were thereby set apart by Hashem forever.

Quoted from “A Nation is Born” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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