Finding Our Voices- and Using Them Effectively

On the seventh day of Pesach we read that upon leaving Egypt, the Jews camp at a place called Pi Hachirot. Rashi quotes the Midrashic tradition that the name Pi Hachirot is related to Cheirut- freedom. The Jews began to feel the freedom upon arrival at this location.

If we look at the first part of the name of the location, we realize that Pi Hachirot may refer to freedom of the mouth or free speech.

Slaves are not allowed to speak freely. They can only speak when spoken to. They are also not at liberty to express, or even possess, their own opinions. Originally Pi Hachirot was called Pitom, which some suggest is a contraction of the words Peh Satum- a closed mouth. It was at Pitom that Bnei Yisrael lost their freedom to protest.

                At Pi Hachirot Bnei Yisrael found their voice. The ability to freely speak is a gift and a responsibility that Bnei Yisrael did not immediately utilize effectively. The first use of their voice is to complain to Moshe: “Were there no graves in Egypt that we had to come out here to die?” We prefer to have never left Egypt and remained as slaves without a voice rather than to die in the desert where we will similarly be silenced!

Instead of answering them with words, G-d splits the Sea and causes the people to experience a revelation unlike anything in history. In response Bnei Yisrael sings Shira- they come to appreciate the power of their voice. They utilize their freedom of speech in an effective and meaningful manner.

The story of Pesach is the story of Bnei Yisrael finding their voice as they begin to taste freedom. As we commemorate this event we must commit ourselves to utilizing our freedom of speech: By speaking up even when our views go against today’s popular culture or conventional wisdom. By speaking up even when we think that our views are obvious or that everyone is in agreement. Chances are they are not nearly as obvious or unanimous as we think. By speaking up even when we don’t know if anyone is listening.

The Maharal writes that the word Pesach is a contraction of the words Peh Sach, the mouth that speaks. Pesach celebrates the finding of our voice and the liberation of our power of speech. Just as it was then, so may G-d give us the insight and strength to utilize our voices today in a powerful and productive manner.