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In preparation for the Exodus, G‑d instructs Moshe on the procedures for the Korban Pesach, the Pascal lamb. "They shall take [some] of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel." (Shemot 12:7)
Placing the blood of the Korban Pesach outside of every Jewish home, was to be an identifying marker, for G‑d to "Pass Over" those houses, during the "plague of the first born," so the Jewish people would be saved.
A few verses later, we read how Moshe follows through in transmitting these words to the Jewish people. "You shall extend (the blood) to the lintel and to the two doorposts..."
While Moshe seems to be repeating G‑d's words, he actually reversed the order of the initial directions. Instead of first mentioning the doorposts, the sides of the doorframe, he first lists the lintel, the piece above the doorposts.
Why would Moshe deviate, even the slightest, from the words of G‑d?
Rabbi Avraham Sabba, in the Tzror Hamor, quotes a beautiful explanation illustrating the depth and precision in this seemingly simple task.
The doorposts and lintel he writes, are more than just physical markers. They are symbolic of a very central theme, and explain why the Jewish people merited to be taken out of Egypt.
The Exodus, he tells us, had two central components, the kindness of G‑d and the merit of Moshe and Aaron. These two ingredients are alluded to by the doorposts and the lintel. The two doorposts refer to Moshe and Aaron, while the lintel, the part above everything else, alludes to G‑d.
That is why when G‑d speaks to Moshe, he firsts mentions the doorposts, placing an emphasis on the role played by Moshe and Aaron in redeeming the Jewish people.
Moshe, on the other hand, does exactly the opposite when he talks about the Exodus. First and foremost, he mentions the lintel, the part of the doorway above the rest, symbolizing G‑d's kindness and love for the Jewish people.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.