The Final Redemption

Is it over? Did we survive? With all the aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and extended family that came over for the Seder, it’s no wonder you are asking the question.

I’m sorry then to be the one to disappoint you. It’s not over and we didn’t escape bondage to merely survive.  Pesach is not a one, or even two night affair. It lasts eight days. And what was begun on the first two days of Passover must be concluded on the last two days. If not…well you know what happens when you leave a job half done.

According to our Sages, the first days of Pesach commemorate the first redemption. The last days celebrate the final redemption. The historical background itself of these two periods provides us with the clues to spiritually dissect the meaning and relevance of what transpired.

In regard to the initial redemption from Egypt, Scripture states, “For the people had fled.” They had to flee. Had they stayed in Egypt another generation, another year, another moment, they would have all assimilated.  Even the victory over evil was only partial. Only the first born of Egypt were killed, leaving an entire army that would soon take up arms in hot pursuit of the Israelites.

In contrast, the final and ultimate redemption parallels the last two days of Pesach. On this point the prophet declares, “You shall not depart in haste.” There will be no need to worry about something or someone on our heels inasmuch as evil and impurity will then cease to exist. This also finds expression during the seventh day of Passover when the Jews crossed the sea that would soon annihilate all the Egyptians as “not a single one remained.” Without probing all the other similarities and differences, let it suffice to say that the holy Baal Shem Tov himself would eat a final festive meal on the eighth day of Pesach, referring to it as, ‘The Meal of Moshiach’.  Four cups of wine, matzohs, story and song accompanied this repast, all dedicated to the future rather than the past.

According to the Kabbalists, a Seder tunes you in to the revelation of the Exodus, while the Meal of Moshiach accesses the Infinite light of the Messianic age.  This is unique, for while most festivals commemorate the past, this celebration invites you to enjoy the future in the present. You should try it and get a head start on tomorrow.