Inner Freedom Begins with a Decision

“the first step may be small, but it must be taken”

Parashat Shemot opens the story of redemption, but notably, it does not begin with miracles. It begins with planning, preparation, and courageous action. Am Yisrael descends into slavery, crushed by Pharaoh’s decrees, stripped of control over their time, their bodies, and seemingly their future. Yet it is precisely here at the lowest point, that the Torah begins teaching one of life’s most powerful lessons: a successful life is built when vision is paired with action, and planning is followed by courageous doing. Before the sea splits and before Sinai, we learn that vision without action remains a dream, and action without direction lacks impact.

This balance between planning and doing appears early in the parashah with the midwives, Shifra and Puah. They feared HaShem and acted decisively to save lives. There was no detailed roadmap, no guarantee of safety, only moral clarity and the courage to act. Because of this, the Torah tells us that G-d “made them houses,” symbolizing lasting impact. Their success came not from passivity, but from aligning values with action.

When Pharaoh decrees that every baby boy be cast into the Nile, Yocheved does not surrender to despair. She plans. She hides Moshe for three months, and when she can no longer conceal him, she builds a teivah, carefully waterproofed, and places it strategically among the reeds (Shemot 2:3). This is not blind faith; it is faith expressed through thoughtful action. Miriam, too, positions herself “from afar, to know what would happen to him.” She does not merely hope, she anticipates, watches, and is ready to act. When Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the baby, Miriam steps forward at precisely the right moment. Planning without action remains theoretical; action without planning is reckless. Miriam embodies their union.

When HaShem first appears to Moshe at the burning bush, He does not immediately redeem Israel. Instead, He lays out a plan: Moshe will go to Pharaoh, speak in HaShem’s Name, gather the elders, and lead the people step by step out of Egypt. Redemption is not spontaneous, it is structured. Yet Moshe hesitates. He questions his ability, his worthiness, and his speech. HaShem’s response is telling: “Who gives man a mouth?” (Shemot 4:11) HaShem does not promise Moshe instant success. He promises presence, “I will be with you.” The Torah is teaching that success in life is not about certainty, but about moving forward despite uncertainty, trusting that clarity emerges through action.

Moshe himself grows into leadership not through titles, but through behavior. He sees an Egyptian striking a Hebrew and intervenes. He sees injustice between two Hebrews and attempts to stop it. He sees Yitro’s daughters being harassed and rises to defend them. In each case, Moshe acts, sometimes imperfectly, but consistently. HaShem later chooses Moshe not because he was flawless, but because he was willing to step forward. A successful life is not built by waiting for perfect clarity; it is built by moving forward with moral intention and learning along the way.

For our own lives, Parashat Shemot offers a blueprint for a successful life::

*Clarify your values, goals, and your mission – like Moshe at the bush (vision)

*Think strategically and prepare thoughtfully – gather the elders, anticipate challenges (planning)

*Adjust, but do not abandon, when challenges arise and act consistently – even when fear and resistance arise, trust that growth follows movement

A successful life is not built by waiting for perfect conditions. It is built by aligning intention with action, again and again. The Exodus begins not with freedom, but with responsibility, and that is where all lasting success begins. As we read Parashat Shemot, we are reminded: Redemption, personal or national, comes to those who plan with faith and act with courage.

Faith in Judaism is never passive. Bitachon does not mean waiting, it means moving forward with responsibility, courage, and trust that HaShem partners with those who take initiative.

In every generation, each person has their own “Egypt”: habits to break, dreams to redeem, and potential waiting to be released. Parashat Shemot reminds us that redemption, personal and national, begins when planning meets doing, and vision is translated into action.

The first step may be small, but it must be taken.