Being Human is Understandable - But Not an Excuse

In Parshat Bo, Moshe commands the Jewish People concerning the Pesach experience in Egypt. One of the requirements is that (12:21) “no man shall leave the entrance of his house until morning.” Rashi, quoting the Mechilta, explains that once G-d let loose the Angel of Destruction, the only thing that could protect the Jewish people was staying inside a house that had blood smeared on its door. If a Jew would venture outside, they would end up “being caught up” in the Plague of the First Born. This Mechilta is sometimes utilized as a way of bringing comfort to the families of innocents who die in wartime or in some other tragedy.

Rabbi Hershel Schachter (in Nefesh HaRav) quotes an alternate explanation of this commandment, offered by Rav Soloveitchik. Perhaps the command to stay in their houses was Hashem’s way of insuring that Bnei Yisrael did not use this moment to exact revenge by their own hands on the Egyptians. Rabbi Soloveitchik pointed to the fact that many native Africans sought revenge against the white colonialists after those African countries gained independence. This is typical and (somewhat) understandable behavior for a former slave who has gained independence, and has an opportunity to subject his oppressors with oppression. Hashem did not want this to happen 1) because that’s not how Jews should act and 2) perhaps to reinforce the idea that the Jews freedom from Egyptian slavery meant only that they were able to subject themselves to G-d’s rule.

I particularly like R’ Soloveitchik’s suggestions because it emphasizes an idea that I find compelling and important: Hashem/ the Torah does not expect us to be superhuman, or to completely abandon normal human urges or desires. Rather the Torah recognizes human psychology and validates it. But the the Torah wants us at times to overcome these human tendencies and strive for holiness and greatness The Jews at the time of the Exodus had every reason to want to hurt the Egyptians. That’s why Hashem commands the Jews to stay indoors. Helping them to avoid a situation in which they would give in to these base impulses was a good strategy in Parshat Bo- and a good strategy for us to keep in mind our entire lives.