The Struggles of Bnei Yisrael

In this week’s parsha, Shemot, we witness the deepening struggles of Bnei Yisrael as they endure worsening slavery in Mitzrayim. The parsha opens with the tragic turning point: a new Pharaoh arises, one who “did not know Yosef,” and initiates the enslavement of the Jewish people. As the parsha unfolds, things go from bad to worse.

In the middle of the parsha, Pharaoh dies, and Bnei Yisrael cries out to Hashem. It is then that Hashem hears their cries, remembers His promise to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, and the process of geulah begins. Immediately after, we read about Moshe’s encounter with the burning bush.

But this sequence raises an important question: What changed? Bnei Yisrael had been enslaved for years, groaning under the weight of forced labor. Why did Hashem respond only after the death of Pharaoh?

A Lesson in Faith and Redemption

The answer reveals a profound lesson about faith and redemption.

The Gemara in Sotah describes the time before Mashiach’s arrival as an era of escalating challenges—an age when the world seems to spiral downward into chaos. It paints a vivid and frightening picture of hardship and despair, but it concludes with an uplifting message: “Al mi yesh lanu l’hisha’ein? Al Avinu she’bashamayim.” At the end of the day, upon whom can we rely? Only our Father in Heaven.

What Changed for Bnei Yisrael?

This theme reflects the events in our parsha. As Pharaoh grew older, Bnei Yisrael clung to the hope that his eventual death might bring relief. They thought, Maybe the next Pharaoh won’t be as cruel. Maybe the slavery will end entirely.

But when Pharaoh died and a new ruler took the throne, their hopes were shattered. The new Pharaoh proved just as oppressive—if not worse. It was then that Bnei Yisrael realized there was no hope in earthly solutions. In their despair, they turned entirely to Hashem, crying out with complete reliance on Him alone. It was this heartfelt cry, rooted in pure faith and dependence, that set the redemption into motion.

What’s the Lesson for Us?

Like Bnei Yisrael, we often pin our hopes on the next change: a new leader – President or Prime Minister, a new job, a new opportunity. We convince ourselves, When this happens, everything will improve.

But the truth is, real salvation doesn’t come from worldly sources. As the Gemara teaches, our ultimate salvation comes only when we recognize that ein lanu al mi l’hisha’ein ela Al Avinu she’bashamayim—we have no one to lean on but our Father in Heaven.

Trusting in Hashem Alone

This parsha reminds us to look past the illusions of control and the false hopes we place in people or circumstances. The key to redemption, both personal and national, lies in turning to Hashem with complete trust and dependence, knowing that He alone holds the power to save us.

May we merit to place our faith fully in Hashem and see the ultimate geulah speedily in our days. Wishing you all a Good Shabbos.

You may also like:

The Divine Design of Life: Struggles, Purpose, and Redemption Yosef’s Journey of Bitachon and Hishtadlus Yosef’s Lesson: The Need to Take Action The Name Yisrael and Its Eternal Bond to Hashem Overcoming Darkness: Chanukah’s Guide to Faith and Gratitude Yosef’s Inspiring Story of Faith, Trust, and Forgiveness