Lifeekach anachnu chayavim, Therefore we are obligated: Since we too ‘went out of Egypt,” all the miracles which God performed for them He performed for us as well. Therefore we are obligated to the One who performed these miracles for our ancestors and for us. We mention five expressions to describe our gratefulness. While they all appear the same, actually each one refers to a different aspect of the Exodus. God brought us out: • From slavery to freedom – It was said in Egypt that no slave had ever escaped from Egypt. Israel’s liberation than went against the very power of Egypt. • From subjugation to redemption – God redeemed the people from the difficult and harsh slavery and labor which the Egyptians placed upon them. • From despair to joy – The depression and groaning of the Egyptians was constant while they were slaves. God redeemed us from this despair and brought us to a state of joy. • From mourning to rejoicing – The Israelites were in a state of mourning because the Egyptians were killing their children. Also, according to the Mishnah, Pharaoh killed 150 children each day so that he could soak in their blood to cure his leprosy. • From darkness to a great light – The Israelites started worshipping the false gods of the Egyptians so they were in a state of darkness. God redeemed us not only by giving us freedom but by bringing us back to the true worship of one God.