Vaera (3a): Separating for Connection

The following is the first installment in a three-part series based on the teachings of the Shem MiShmuel in this week's Parsha:

A central theme discussed throughout all of the Sefarim HaKodeshim during these weeks is the concept of the Galus HaDa'as, how Mitzrayim was an exile of the intellect. What exactly is Da'as and how does it go into exile?

Da'as seemingly has contradictory definitions. On the one hand it seems to mean 'deeply connecting', as it is used as a euphemism for marital relations. On the other hand it also implies to separate. The passage in Shmona Esrei on Motzei Shabbos that serves the purpose of separating between Shabbos and the week is in the Bracha of Chonen HaDa'as. The Gemara explains this placement by saying, "אם אין דעת הבדלה מנין?" If there is no Da'as how can separation be made? These two definitions of Da'as seem be contradictory.

The resolution is nuanced but obvious. True internalization of a concept requires a deep connection/differentiation duality. A true Lamdan (Talmudic analyst) will tell you that it is far more impressive to show how two similar concepts are different than to draw a similarity between two foreign ideas. In the Yeshivos the first tool is referred to as a Chiluk, the second a Tzu Shtel. A good Chiluk is a fantastic display of a mature analytic process as it requires a sharp mental razor.

The total isolation of a concept allows for its curves to be well defined. Only then can full connection take place, for only at that point is the subject matter truly available in the first place. Intimacy with one's spouse is only meaningful under the pretext that there is loyalty within the matrimony. My connection to you is only as deep insomuch as you are "the only one", my soul mate. This is Da'as.

While being pulled in a thousand directions by their demanding, Egyptian task-masters, the Jewish people were robbed of their Da'as. The back-breaking labor left them with a vagueness and cloudiness of mind. There was a feeling of tiredness that comes at the end of a long day... but the feeling never went away.

This was a spiritual assault on the collective Jewish soul and Paroh was the mastermind behind the movement. Paroh was well aware that the redemptive process begins with וידע אלוקים - "and G-d knew" (stated in last week's Parsha), which means the Hashem began to generate a flow of Da'as back into the world to combat Paroh's affront.

Paroh the antithesis of Da'as. The letters that spell Paroh also spell Oref, the back of the neck. You see the back of my neck when I turn away and don't want to look at you or connect to you. The Oref is the opposite of Da'as. If Da'as means to internalize an idea, then it doesn't come as a shock that stubbornness is referred to in the Torah as קשי עורף - stiff neck. Stubbornness is the inability to internalize, the ultimate contrast to Da'as.

Paroh and the Egyptians carried out a systematic mind-numbing operation. By blunting the Da'as of the Jews they became disconnected from Hashem in the most fundamental way. The Pasuk teaches us דע את אלקי אביך ועבדהו, Know the G-d of your ancestors and serve Him. The implication is obvious: without proper Da'as, true Avodas Hashem is impossible. This explains the absolute profundity of the Galus HaDa'as.

To be continued...