The Exodus began at midnight.
We departed at midday.
To tell you that even at your darkest hour, you have the power to shatter your chains.
And even at your brightest moment, you must say, “From this, too, I must break free.”
11 Nisan, 5744.
From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. Subscribe and get your dose daily. To order Rabbi Freeman’s latest book, Wisdom to Heal the Earth, click here.
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Jorge Lopez
Miami
March 20, 2026
The Exodus began at midnight.
We departed at midday.
Good day to you all, today’s reading says Exodus begins at midnight night and follows We departed at midday. I don’t understand if begun at midnight how come we departed at midday? Please explain and thank you. May Hashem shine His light upon you all, Amen
Reply
Tzvi Freeman
March 20, 2026
in response to Jorge Lopez:
At midnight, the plague of the firstborn began, forcing Pharaoh to run to Moses and tell him to take his people and leave. By noon that day, Al the people were assembled in Ramses and began their journey out of Egypt. Reply
Jeff
March 20, 2026
in response to Jorge Lopez:
One explanation that readily comes to me, is that the 10th plague started at midnight, but Pharoah did not free the Hebrews until later that morning on the day and with gathering their belongings and spoils, it wasn’t until midday when they left Egypt.
That’s what seems to me occurred. It will be interesting to see if a Chabad Rabbi responds.
Reply
Lin
Fort Worth
March 20, 2026
in response to Jorge Lopez:
In this age of serious considerations, and being aware of the Holiness, please forgive a minor light hearted comment. This occurred to me instantly when I saw your question about why would we leave at midday. Of course!: "We had to do the dishes!" Even after many of our brightest moments comes the dishes, but we breeze through them as we recall and re-enjoy the bright moments of the gathering that went before.. Reply
Shaindy
April 2, 2025
Can you please explain this sentence "And even at your brightest moment, you must say, From this, too, I must break free.”
I would love to understand this.
Reply
Tzvi Freeman
April 2, 2025
in response to Shaindy :
Quite simply, don’t be satisfied. Relative to yesterday, this may be freedom. But relative to where you could be, you’re still in a cage. Reply
Helen Whitney
Mexico
March 20, 2026
in response to Tzvi Freeman:
Your answer reminds me of my parents …….whatever I have done, it is never enough. Reply
David Harold Chester
Petach Tikva, Israel
March 27, 2023
From slavery to freedom? Yet today we are duty bound to live peaceably in a society that is facing a political and economic and military crisis. Even in religion we are not able to do what freedom allows. Freedom goes with license. Reply
Joella
Canada
March 28, 2023
in response to David Harold Chester:
Perhaps freedom has never been actual physical freedom. The exodus is from believing we do not have access to the higher power of a Creator so that the chains are what keep our spirits from seeing the guidance we can glean to life us into the Light. The stories that most inspire me this way come from those such as survived the Holocaust believing in the power of love, not extinguished by the darkness of others whose animal/beast has been in charge physically and psychically. Hope is not letting go of this belief that the Light is always, always stronger than the dark, just as one tiny candle pushes away steadily and steadfastly. This candle, however, cannot keep on shining without being supported by others who add the oil/wax for this one and who add their own tiny lights. Don't give up being a light--it is so much more powerful than the dark when we support each other. (My own journey into this belief comes from three decades of severe PTSD from familial abuse--not political.) Reply
Yedidyah Shlomon
Lagos ng
April 25, 2024
in response to David Harold Chester:
Real talk , Mr David. Reply
Humankind must never stop trying to advance beyond the level they're at. The light may be shining brightly as it overwhelms your being, but be happy you captured this sight and grew in some special way. Then start thinking about tomorrow and what your being is nudging you toward, then get ready and head for another door, another place or maybe a higher floor. But remember no matter how many mountains you may climb there will always be another place to find. If you stop trying then your time to rise further up will be stopped, but will you be satisfied?