SEFER SHMIRAS HALOSHON ?
The Way of Our Ancestors
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The Midrash states that four sources of merit figured prominently in the redemption from Egypt: The Jews did not adopt Egyptian names, did not speak in the way of the Egyptians, were not guilty of immorality and did not speak loshon hora (Vayikra Rabbah 32:5).
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Tanna D’Vei Eliyahu Rabbah (ch. 23) relates:
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When the Jews were in Egypt, they assembled and sat down together, for they were united as one. They established a covenant to do kindness with one another; to safeguard in their hearts the covenant of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov; to serve their Father in
Heaven alone; not to forsake the language of their father Yaakov’s house; and not to learn the language of the Egyptians, so as not to follow the ways of idol worshipers.
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The Egyptians would ask them: “Why do you not serve our gods, for if you did, your workload would be lightened?’’ The Jews responded: “Did our forefathers forsake our Father in Heaven, that we should now do the same?’’
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When the Jews circumcised their sons, the Egyptians suggested, “Perhaps if you do not observe this law, your difficult labor will be lightened.’’ The Jews responded: “Did our forefathers forget the covenant into which they entered with our Father in Heaven,
that we should now do the same?’’
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When Jews would marry and celebrate the Seven Days of Feasting that follow, the Egyptians asked, “Why do you celebrate? Soon you will be forced to perform your slave labor!’’ The Jews responded, “We shall celebrate — you can do with us as you please. Those
who are destined to die, shall die. Those who are destined to live, shall live.’’
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Let us follow in the ways of our ancestors, to do kindness with one another and faithfully uphold their covenant to serve no one but Hashem. Let us pay no heed to enticements and arguments to the contrary, just as the Jews paid no heed to the Egyptians’ words.
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May we merit the fulfillment of the prophecy, “As in the days when you departed Egypt, will I show him wonders’’ (Michah?7:15)
— speedily and in our time.
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