"And there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days." (Shmot 10:22)"
"Why did He bring darkness upon them? Because in that generation there were wicked Jews who did not want to go out [of Egypt], and they died during the three days of darkness." (Rashi)
Our Rabbis teach us hat the darkness that descended on EGypt was unlike any other. it had the thickness of a dinar. it could be felt. From Rashi's interpretation we see just how thick intellectual and spiritual darkness can be.
"In that generation there were wicked Jews who did not want to go out [of Egypt], and they died during the three days of darkness."
Here was a people that for decades were slaves, victims of hard labor, they and their children subject to the most brutal decrees. And now comes their chance. They are given an opportunity to escape, to taste freedom. But some refuse. They lack faith. They fear the unknown. They are the victims of an inner darkness so thick it is palpable. They suffer not only from the absence of light, but from an empty, hopeless void within. And for this reason Rashi refers to them as "wicked." One who refuses redemption is not merely foolish, he is wicked.
This is a lesson for our daily lives. God offers us a brightly illuminated path. If we turn it down in preference to more seemingly attractive or secure paths, we will find ourselves in a darkness so thick it can be felt.
May we always be firm in our love of God and His Torah, so that we may be liberated from darkness and cleansed with the light of Jerusalem, as we pray, "A new light will shine over Zion."
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