Taking the Leap

The Alshich describes a certain torment that Pharoah went through as he was faced with dealing with the last few plagues.

Each time he recognized that he needed to accept the inevitable. He was thoroughly defeated and the great superpower that was Egypt, would never be the same. The G-d of Israel was the One true G-d.

Moshe Rabbeinu was frustrated when he saw this. It did not make him happy to destroy Pharoah, no matter how evil he was. A truly righteous person does not wish for the downfall of his adversary. But he wishes that he be able to see the truth and repent.

Pharoah’s behavior is indicative of the behavior of many who wish they could change for the good, but do not have the inner strength to do so.

I have witnessed this process with so many people on their path towards becoming observant Jews. Their biggest obstacle is to be able to take that leap towards leaving the secular world, for the world of holiness.

There are so many doubts and uncertainties. They question themselves wondering if their motives are pure. And they ask themselves if they will have the determination to be unwavering in their new commitment.

Pharoah failed to meet these challenges because his evil was so deep. But the Baal Teshuva generally succeeds. He has Hashem’s help as he doesn’t have to worry about his heart being hardened.