Something very serious happened.
Our sages teach that most of them did not leave.
During the ninth plague, the plague of darkness, many Jews passed away.
Only a small group left Egypt, 1/5.
Why?
Because many did not want to leave. Egypt felt normal. It felt safe. Even though it was hard, it was familiar.
They did not trust that the Creator would really bring them somewhere better (no self esteem from trauma).
So when redemption came, they were not ready.
Kabbalah teaches something very hopeful. The final redemption will not be like that. This time, no Jew will be left behind.
Why?
Because over many years of exile, we have been learning.
We have been struggling.
We have been asking questions.
We have been trying to understand the Creator. Slowly, we are learning to trust that He is good.
Not just in our minds.
But emotionally, through felt awe and love toward Him.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that our generation has everything it needs.
All the learning is here. All the teachings are here.
If a person studies and thinks and asks honest questions, they can figure it out.
They can come to trust that the Creator is good.
They can learn how to have a real relationship with Him.
A relationship means:
You care.
You talk.
You listen.
You try.
You trust.
In Egypt, many people were not ready for that trust. In the future, everyone will be able to grow into it.
The first redemption left many behind. The final redemption will bring everyone forward.
Because this time, we are learning how to trust. And when trust grows, redemption becomes possible for all of us.
