BS’D
The first commandment is “Anochi Hashem Elokecha asher Hotzeteecha m’eretz mitzrayim.” Why begin with this statement? Hashem was sending B’nai Yisrael two messages: first believe in Me and second love Me since I have redeemed you from Mitzrayim. Why?
Following all of the plagues of mitzrayim the world would learn that there is a higher authority running the world. B’nai Yisrael were slaves in mitzrayim and were freed from their physical enslavement in order to serve Hashem and elevate them spiritually. This was the reason teaches the Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh that we are reminded of yitziat Mitzrayim when discussing belief in Hashem’s existence. In order that we may remember that it was Hashem who released us and controls the world and we should subjugate ourselves to fulfilling His will.
The RamBam ztk’l strengthens this point by writing in his book Yesodei HaTorah that the founding principle and pillar of wisdom is to know that Hashem is the first and only One. All is from Him and nothing exists without Him. There is no other truthful existence but the reality of Hashem.
The RamChal ztk’l delves even further in his book Derech Hashem and writes that every man in Israel must have emuna that Hashem is eternal and is the only creator in the universe. Hashem does not lack anything, He is perfect and complete.
Rav Tzadok HaCohen m’Lublin ztk’l in his book Pri Tzaddik teaches that Matan Torah on Har Sinai infused every Jewish neshama with a point of emuna that is found deep within the recesses of each of our hearts. This can never be taken away from us. Ever!
Your Daily Meditation from Orit Esther
Close your eyes. Recall a time of personal redemption in your life; when you thought ‘how am I going to get through this’… and you did! What a miracle! Hashem carried you through it and lifted you above it. It was then that you lived the first commandment “Anochi Hashem Elokecha asher Hotzeeteecha m’eretz mitrayim”. Experience what it felt like to feel Hashem’s personal redemption. Thank You Hashem!