Daily Exodus from Egypt: How to Free Your Soul from the Body’s Captivity
The Exodus from Egypt is more than an old story—it matters to us every day. Many think the Exodus from Egypt happened just long ago. However, in Hasidic teachings, it has a meaning that touches our daily lives. Let’s explore what the “Exodus from Egypt” really means for us today.
What Is True Freedom in the Exodus from Egypt?
“Each day, we should feel as if we left Egypt today,” says an old teaching. But what Egypt do we talk about in our time?
The word “Mitzrayim” (Egypt in Hebrew) means “narrow places” or “limits.” It’s not about a real country, but about feeling stuck or trapped. Therefore, each of us faces our own “Egypt”—the limits of our body and the material world.
The Divine Soul Seeking Its Own Exodus from Egypt
In Hasidic books, our body gets the name “serpent’s skin”—a prison for our Divine soul. Every day, this soul tries to break free and connect with God’s Light.
So how does this personal “Exodus from Egypt” happen? First, through Torah study. Then, by doing good deeds. And especially by saying the “Shema” prayer with focus, where we declare: “The Lord our God, the Lord is One.”
A Gift of Spiritual Exodus We Don’t Need to Earn
Unlike Abraham, who reached unity with God through his own hard work and growth, we receive this unity as a gift we inherit.
Abraham moved forward step by step, as the Torah says: “And Abraham journeyed, moving forward…” He walked a long path of growth.
For us, on the other hand, this gift comes with the Torah. When God gave us the Torah, He put His wisdom in it, which connects directly with Him. As a result, through the Torah, He gave us part of Himself!
The Only Block to Your Personal Exodus
What stops us from breaking free from our “Egypt”? Actually, just one thing—not wanting to.
When we say the “Shema” prayer with real feeling and accept God as our King, our soul immediately joins with God. Consequently, a true “Exodus from Egypt” happens—our soul breaks free from body and world limits.
Why the “Shema” and the Exodus from Egypt Go Together
It’s no accident that in Jewish prayers, we read about the Exodus from Egypt along with the “Shema.” Although they’re two separate commands, they’re really the same thing—accepting God through the “Shema” creates your own personal Exodus from Egypt.
Simple Steps to Your Daily Exodus
- Mindful Prayer: Say the “Shema” with focus and feeling. After all, your intention matters more than just words.
- Daily Reminder: Remember that the Exodus from Egypt happens every day, not just long ago. In fact, you can experience it right now.
- Torah Study: By studying Torah, you link with God’s wisdom and free your soul. Moreover, this creates lasting freedom.
- Doing Good Deeds: Each good deed helps free your soul from body limits. Additionally, it brings more light into the world.
By leaving our personal “Egypt,” we answer God’s endless love for us. Just as water shows our face when we look at it, we show this love by trying to join with Him. In the end, this daily practice transforms our entire life.
This article is based on Chapter 47 of the book “Likutei Amarim—Tanya” by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the Chabad Hasidic movement and one of the greatest Hasidic thinkers.
Afterword: The text of this article has not been approved by any sage, Torah scholar, or rabbi and is merely a simplified adaptation of the sacred text for general understanding. For comprehension of true wisdom and a deeper understanding of the original text, you should refer to the sources.
This and all other article texts of the Mega-Charity.Org resource express only the personal opinions of the authors who compiled them. They are intended only for general and superficial understanding of the real sources of wisdom. References to which are provided.
