In this week’s parsha, God takes the extraordinary decision of killing off every first-born being in Egypt in order to finally force the Pharaoh’s hand. These first-born beings include not just the Egyptian aristocracy, but also the peasants, the middle-class, even the animals. Yes, even the cute, innocent, first-born animals must die so that the Hebrews can be let free. At worst, God’s decision is a genocide. At best, it is an act of war.

What is the justification for this?

We can ask Hegel, who would have said that "the Owl of Minerva flies at dusk." We cannot know whether a revolution is good or bad until years afterward.

It is easy to start a revolution. It is not so easy to finish it.

To learn to live in the moment would be the equivalent of a revolution within ourselves. Are we ready for this transformation? Just as ready as the Hebrews were to leave Egypt.

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Music: Pink Floyd - "Run Like Hell"