"Therefore say to the Children of Israel, 'I am HaShem, and I shall release you from under the burdens of Egypt, and I shall rescue you from their bondage, and I shall redeem you with an outstretched arm....and I shall take you to Me for a people'" (Shemot 6:6). The four expressions of redemption: "release, rescue, redeem, take," correspond to the four primordial elements: fire, air, water, and earth. This signifies that spiritual redemption requires redemption from the influence of the material elements. The most important material redemption is the redemption from air. Air refers to speech which is powered by air. In this light, the redemption from air encompasses the purification of all improper speech. Fire and water, refer to the attainment of the awe and love of HaShem, respectively, which is rooted in the heart and mind. Earth refers to the rectification of our deeds. HaShem awakened our redemption from Egypt by freeing us from the influence of the four material elements.
Our efforts to correct our speech, attain the awe and love of HaShem, and uplift our deeds, holds the power to awaken the redemption.
Application: Set aside a few minutes each day to think about self-improvement. Focus on purifying your0 speech, elevating your thoughts through attaining the awe and love of HaShem, and uplift your deeds. Team up with a friend and discuss together strategies for improvement. Be inspired by knowing that your efforts to improve, will help to bring the redemption.
(Based on the writings of the S'fas Emes)
