Summary:

Prior to the Tenth Plague, G-d commands all the Israelites to take the Pascal Lamb, smear its blood on their lintels and doorposts, and eat its meat on the night of 15 Nissan, together with matza and bitter herbs. Thus the first ever Seder was celebrated before they even left Egypt.

The Israelites were also given the commandment of Rosh Chodesh and the Jewish months, which were to be governed by the cycle of the moon.

The Torah then describes the Death of the Firstborn and the actual Exodus. Several commandments are given to ensure that the Exodus is never forgotten: the festival of Pesach, including teaching the children; Pidyon Haben – redemption of the firstborn, and the mitzvah of Tefillin.

Point to Ponder
The main theme of this Torah Portion is the Exodus. There is also a theme within a theme: Prior to the 8th plague, Pharaoh indicated his willingness to let the Israelites leave Egypt. Then he asked, “Who’s going?” Moses’ answer included “our sons and our daughters”. Pharaoh refused. It seems that he understood that if the children are to be included, they will want to carry on the traditions of their forebears. He was of course, correct. This is why the Torah states three times in this week’s portion that when we celebrate the Seder, we are to tell the children and encourage them to ask questions.

We are also told that the reason we may not have leavened products on Pesach is to remember the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt, such that there was not even time to let the dough rise. When we bake matzot, we do it quickly and don’t allow any time for the dough to ferment. Here is another hint about our children’s Jewish education, that we should not allow them to ‘ferment’ before educating them. The longer we put it off, the more difficult it becomes. And the best way of educating them is by practical example.