In this week’s parsha, Bnei Yisrael’s suffering in Mitzrayim intensifies after Moshe’s initial approach to Paroah. The Torah describes their inability to listen to Moshe because of “kotzer ruach” (shortness of spirit) and “avodah kasha” (hard labor) (Shemot 6:9). Yet this suffering was not meaningless—it was an essential part of Hashem’s plan to prepare them for redemption.

Rav Hershel Schachter teaches that on Pesach, we thank Hashem not only for taking us out of Mitzrayim but also for placing us there. The suffering we endure shapes us into the people we are meant to become. The experience of Mitzrayim—and ultimately being redeemed—provided Bnei Yisrael with the tools they needed to grow into a nation capable of receiving the Torah. The Torah commands us multiple times, “Ahavtem et hager, ki gerim heyyitem b’eretz Mitzrayim”—“Love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (e.g., Devarim 10:19). Only by experiencing the pain of being a stranger could Bnei Yisrael truly understand and empathize with others in similar situations.

This lesson applies to us as well. For example, making aliya can be a challenging experience—adjusting to a new country, learning a new language, and starting life in an empty apartment. When our family made aliya, the community showed up with furniture, food, and other support. Why? Because they had once been olim chadashim themselves. Their own experiences enabled them to empathize and help others. When we endure hardship, we gain the tools to assist and uplift others.

Hashem doesn’t just free us; He transforms us through the process of Geula. The suffering in Mitzrayim taught Bnei Yisrael the value of freedom and shaped them into a nation prepared to receive the Torah. Similarly, every challenge we’ve faced has strengthened us, refined us, and prepared us for this moment.

But now, we are ready. Every hardship we’ve endured has been for our ultimate benefit, molding us into the people we were meant to become—stronger, kinder, more united, and more connected to Hashem. We’ve been given the tools to love each other, to lift one another up, and to fulfill our purpose as a nation.

The time has come to step into our role, to channel everything we’ve gained into serving Hashem with joy and gratitude, and to unite as one people. Together, we are ready for the ultimate Geula and to welcome Mashiach IY”H very soon.

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