A 5786 Passover message from Dr. Jonathan Levy, Head of School

The Torah uses unique language to describe the Exodus from Egypt.

וַיּוֹצִאֵנוּ יְהֹ-ה מִמִּצְרַיִם בְּיָד חֲזָקָה וּבִזְרֹעַ נְטוּיָה וּבְמֹרָא גָּדֹל וּבְאֹתוֹת וּבְמֹפְתִים׃

"God freed us from Egypt by a mighty hand, by an outstretched arm and awesome power, and by signs and portents” (Deuteronomy 26:8).

This description of God’s might is echoed in Az Yashir, the Song of the Sea when the Egyptians drowned in the river.

יְמִינְ֒ךָ יְהֹ-ה נֶאְדָּרִי בַּכֹּֽחַ יְמִֽינְ֒ךָ יְהֹ-ה תִּרְעַץ אוֹיֵב

“Your right hand, God, is adorned with power, Your right hand God crushes the enemy” (Exodus 15:6).

Interestingly, the metaphor of God’s “strong hand” and “outstretched arm” appears repeatedly in the story of the Exodus from Egypt and victory over the Egyptians, but not in the Torah’s descriptions of other conflicts. Why is this language unique to Egypt?

Rabbi Joshua Berman, in his new Haggadah Echoes of Egypt, suggests that a simple view of ancient Egyptian artwork adds a level of understanding. Pharoah, regarded as a god by the ancient Egyptians, was often depicted striking his enemies with an upraised arm, a powerful symbol of dominance and control. By using similar language to describe the defeat of the Egyptians, the Torah sends a message that it is not the god of Egypt that is superior, but the God of the Israelites.The triumph of the Pharaohs became God’s victory and the symbols of the tyranny over the Israelites became the very symbols of their freedom.

This insight points to how Torah does not exist in isolation, it engages with the world around it. At TanenbaumCHAT, this idea lies at the heart of our educational mission. We strive not only to provide an outstanding Jewish education, but also to immerse our students in a broad and rigorous general education. Both prepare our graduates to engage thoughtfully with the wider world. A strong Jewish identity is enriched by understanding the civilizations around us, the ideas that shaped them, and the ways in which our own tradition has interacted with and responded to those forces. This kind of big picture knowledge allows our students to see connections across time and culture, to appreciate the depth of our texts, and to become informed, responsible participants in the broader community.

As we celebrate our freedom from slavery this Passover, our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Israel. We pray for strength, for protection, and for the swift arrival of peace. May those defending the country be safeguarded, may the injured find healing, and may wisdom guide all those entrusted with leadership.

Chag Kasher V’sameach

Dr. Jonathan Levy
Head of School