Devorah, the Prophetess, served as the judge of Israel for forty years. The Torah calls her a "fiery woman," implying she had dynamic spiritual powers. Her name, Devorah, means "bee." The bee has two opposite characteristics: it gives a bitter sting and it produces sweet honey. Devorah personified the aspects of the bee. However, she never "stung" other people! Rather she stung herself, i.e., she identified her own shortcomings and transformed them to good. By purifying herself, she emerged with a sweet and holy personality that inspired Klal Yisrael to strengthen their commitment to HaShem.
The most effective way to influence others is to attain beautiful character traits and perform good deeds.
Correct your negative traits and flow with good deeds. Imagine your personality as sweet as honey, and be pleasant and kind to all your loved ones and friends.
(Based on the commentary of Ohr Torah to Shoftim) "It is a night in which HaShem guarded them to take them out from the land of Egypt; this night HaShem guards the Children of Israel throughout their generations" (Shemos 12:42).
The Torah mentions HaShem's guarding the Children of Israel twice in this verse. The first refers to HaShem's protection of the Children of Israel when a deadly plague struck every firstborn Egyptian at midnight. The second guarding of the Children of Israel refers to the future redemption. The Torah prophetically tells us that HaShem will protect the Children of Israel during the turbulent events prior to the Messianic era.
Lesson: The uncertainty of what will take place in "the end of days" is unsettling. Thankfully, the Torah comforts us with HaShem's guarantee to protect the Children of Israel in the end of days. Just as He protected us in the time of mortal danger in Egypt, so too, HaShem will protect and shield the People of Israel at the time of the future redemption.
Visualization: Sense the joy the Children of Israel experienced in Egypt at midnight when HaShem spread His wings of protection over them, saving them from death. Be comforted in knowing that HaShem will again spread His wings of protection over us at the time of our final redemption, just as miraculously as He did in Egypt. HaShem will reveal His love to Klal Yisrael, and He will protect, save, and redeem His beloved Children of Israel.
(Based on the commentary of the Ba'al Haturim
