After re-experiencing the harshness of the slavery in Egypt and our miraculous redemption, we are to be filled with so much gratitude that our expressions of praise bubble out as a natural expression. 

The letters for " Pharaoh " in Hebrew reversed spell out " ha'oref, " meaning "the back of the neck." The back of the neck symbolizes the essential quality of Pharaoh. Refusing to see kindness of another means turning your back on him. This act is a blatant refusal to see another person and what he or she has done for us. That was Pharaoh. Pharaoh refused to recognize the good and to show appreciation for it. He quickly discounted how Joseph had saved Egypt by advising him to store grain in preparation for the seven-year famine. Pretending he knew nothing of Joseph, he enslaved the Israelites, his descendants. 

In contrast, Moses was the epitome of humility. A humble person realizes that nothing is due to him and takes nothing for granted. If Pharaoh's symbol is the back of the neck, then Moses' symbol is the face. The conclusion of the book of Exodus describes Moses descending from Mount Sinai, and "the skin of his face shone" (Exodus 34:29-30). While Pharaoh turned away from others, Moses turned towards others and recognized their contributions to his life. 

May we all be like Moses, recognizing the good that comes to us and expressing gratitude for it. May we turn our face to others, and may we merit for G-d to turn His face to us in return. 


haggadah Section: Hallel