Pharaoh's big mistake was that he assumed that the Jews would return to Egypt after their holiday. It never occurred to him that the Jews did not like being slaves. This is the set up for the events at the Sea of Reeds.

One of the lessons of Nadav and Avihu's death is that we should stay within due bounds. This is also the reason for the answer we give the wise son, that sometimes we just have to experience life, we cannot be too strict.

The Parsha Shmini is usually read around Passover. The two are connected. Shmini is concerned with attaining holiness withing limits. Passover is the ultimate in limits on what we can eat.

The Founding Fathers of the US looked upon the creation of the US as their form of leaving Egypt. Jefferson wanted the symbol of the US to be the Jews in the wilderness being led by a pillar of fire.

When we read the Haggadah we realize that Moses is not mentioned except once ant that is in passing. The lesson is that God took us out of Egypt. Moses was merely his servant.

The 3 pilgrimage holidays of the Jews represent our maturing process after leaving Egypt. Passover we were children, Shavuoth we studied God's purpose for us and Sukkot, we are a mature being ready for the world.

The month of Nisan we celebrate our freedom. We declare that we are in control of our destiny so long as we follow God's commandments. That we determine our destiny, not the stars or anything else such as that.

One of the offerings that we bring is the Thanksgiving Offering. When we read about it we see that we are required to bring a huge amount of food. It has to be eaten in one night. This forces us to share it with others. Making it a community affair.

The Torah lays down specific laws about the offerings we bring to the Tabernacle. They have to be legally ours is one of them. We are not feeding God. God looks at our intent when bridging the offering.

The Torah goes into detail of what a priest would have to wear while doing his duty in the Tabernacle. The reason is that we should concentrate on his actions, not on the person.