Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky, is the rabbi of Central Tel Aviv and the shaliach of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
As it is said, "As you came out of the land of Egypt - I will show you wonders." Passover is the celebration commemorating the People of Israel's initial redemption, which is the foundation of the entire redemption, which will occur shortly. This scripture indicates that the specifics of the future redemption will resemble those of Egypt's redemption.
A few unique elements of the Israelites' flight from Egypt served as a sort of "prelude" to the Final Redemption. Individual salvations and healings in a variety of areas served as a lead-up to and training for the mass release of the Israelites from Egypt.
As an illustration, consider the enormous miracle that "all the children of Israel had light in their region" in contrast to total darkness in Egypt. Because of their superior illumination and ability to see inside the Egyptians' homes, the Jews were able to comply with God's promise to "And you will plunder the Egyptians" and take valuables with them when they left Egypt.
This teaches us that even though we are still in a harsh and bitter exile and that "darkness covers the earth," when we look forward to the imminent redemption and the arrival of the Messiah, we can already see the light of "personal" redemptions in a variety of subjects. These are a prelude and preparation for that general and great redemption for which we have been waiting for 2,000 years.
This is one of the causes for the Hasidic light's revelation, which just started to shine and gain international recognition approximately 250 years ago. Prior to that, only the righteous were aware of its previous source, the general Kabbalah. This puzzles some people: Are we any better than the earlier generations who were not exposed to Hasidism's light?
However, as you approach redemption, you begin to see "personal redemptions" on a variety of topics. In fact, the teachings of hasidism is a genuine, spiritual redemption that occurs on a personal level for the Jewish soul.
Even now, as we all cry out, "How long until the fulfillment of the wonders?!" and await the true and complete deliverance, we also pray for the individual deliverance of roughly 130 men, women, and children—our dear and beloved brothers and sisters—who are still being held captive in Gaza by the evil and cruel enemy.
In addition to the military actions and ongoing worldwide pressure to try and rescue them from the jaws of the predatory creatures, it is important to keep in mind that physical labor is merely a "vessel" for the inspiration and delivery of supernatural help. As our sages said, "He who wants to be rich - should increase his business," one should not lose sight of the fundamental point: "God's blessing - will make you rich"; otherwise, it would be like someone who is constantly sewing pockets and purses in order to receive the richness not realizing that there is a hole at the bottom
Therefore, in order to succeed in this matter, divine influence which acts above nature must be brought into the equation. In order to bring divine support to practical acts Jewish children in Israel and abroad must study the Torah and pray to God. The voice of "Tzon Kodoshim" (tiny tots) conjures forth the goodness of heaven every time. To guarantee that every Jewish child obtains a Torah education, a great deal of work needs to be done. Only a powerful deed like that possesses supernatural virtue and power, and it will result in a supernatural result - the release of all the hostages safely to their homes.
This is how God governs the world, as our sages have taught: "Hakadosh Baruch Hu” deals with us measure for measure." Furthermore, this activity itself is a "personal redemption": it can be claimed, sorrowfully and painfully, that the Jewish child who is educated without religion, Torah, and regard for God is likewise, in a sense, is in "captivity." After all, he is being taught to rebel against the heritage that his forefathers left him, and his spirit, which longs for sanctity and Judaism, is confined within the confining and oppressive confines of a prison.
The personal redemption of another Jewish child and Jewish soul will be accelerated by every step that contributes to receiving a true Jewish education. It is his ticket to a truly joyful and spiritual life. "Measure for measure," these "redemptions" will undoubtedly result in God's blessing for our brothers and sisters who are in genuinely horrible captivity to be successful in their personal redemption and be able to live happy and contented physical lives with their families.
This year, we will undoubtedly celebrate the holiday of Passover, which is also a time of freedom and child education. We will also celebrate the individual redemption of each of us, the individual redemption of the hostages and their families, and the collective redemption of the entire People of Israel, as we say in the Haggadah, "All the days of your life - to bring to the days of the Messiah."