And he suffers. He suffers with an incurable, burning pain that wells up with in him, steals his attention and eclipses all other sensations. And so he can’t enjoy the food he eats. He can’t appreciate music or poetry. All his wealth and possessions are for naught because he can’t find the peace of mind to enjoy them. He has ruined his life.
This seems to be the answer to this Rashi. The Mitzrim were consumed with a hatred of the Jews. They walked around with a tape playing in their brain, “I HATE those Jews. They are despicable. They fill me with RAGE!”
And it wasn’t once or twice a week that the Mitzrim had to see them. “They’re everywhere! In the marketplace and in the bathhouses! In the stable and in the barn. Each morning when I walk to the river, I see them. I CAN’T STAND THOSE VILE JEWS!”
And so all day long they were racked with burning feelings of hatred, animosity, and disgust, until their very existence became a misery. The Mitzrim destroyed their lives.
Living a Pleasurable Life
This concept is eye opening. Many mitzvahs focus on developing our character traits. We often think of these as ways of making ourselves into better people. They make us easier to get along with, more pleasant company. While this is true, there is another benefit: I am more at peace with the world and with myself. As a result, I am happier.
The ways of the Torah are pleasant. When a person follows them properly, he becomes more giving and caring. He learns to overlook others’ flaws, and he becomes more patient and calm. By doing so, he becomes greater, he earns his portion in the World to Come, and he enjoys a better life in the here and now.
To view Rabbi Shafier’s parsha video please click here.