At first our fathers were idolaters: This passage describes the events which preceded the sojourn in Egypt. At first glance, however, it does not appear to be relevant to the Passover story. Why does the Haggadah discuss our idolatrous ancestors when it is about to tell the story of the Exodus? Yet this passage helps understand Israel’s experience in Egypt. The statement “At first...” explains why it was necessary for Israel to be subjected to such a harsh decree while they were in Egypt. The harsh decree of slavery and oppression was necessary in order to cure Israel of the disease of idolatry which was so deeply rooted in its soul. Rabbi Epstein explains that there are two types of physical (and spiritual) illnesses: illnesses that are a product of bodily weaknesses or accidents, and those that are genetic and part of the very make-up of the individual. The first type of illness can be cured with a medical intervention while the second cannot be cured so easily. When the Haggadah tells us that our ancestors were idolaters for generations, it is explaining that we had a more deep seated illness that needed a harsher and more radical cure. Israel did not simply sin; they worshipped false gods. Idolatry was rooted in Israel’s blood and soul. A harsh sojourn in Egypt was necessary to purify Israel of idolatry. This purification continued through the time of the Exodus, the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the journey in the wilderness. Israel was only cured when they reached the border of the land of Israel. This statement, explains why Israel needed to be in Egypt and to be enslaved in the first place.

At first our ancestors were idolaters: The word “אבותינו,” “our ancestors,” (like the beginning of the Amida, ‘Elohaynu vaylohay avotaynu’) often refers to the Patriarchs. The Talmud in Berachot,16b says, “We only use the word “our fathers” to refer to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” And yet here it says that “our fathers were idolaters” Certainly it can’t be referring to Abraham and his descendants! Rabbi Epstein suggests that the statement in Berachot 16a means that we only use the word “Avotaynu” to refer to the patriarchs when we are speaking of our ancestors who lived from the time of Abraham on. When the word is used in reference to people before the time of Abraham, the word is used in a more generic sense and can mean our ancestors in general. This statement in the book of Judges begins by speaking about those people (such as Terach, the father of Abraham) who lived prior to the age of Abraham. The verse in the Book of Judges acknowledges that in fact our earliest ancestors were idolaters.