Although the power of Egypt had already been broken by the Ten Plagues, the Exodus still had to take place in haste. The danger was not that the Egyptians would reverse themselves, but that some Jews might return to their accustomed Egyptian life rather than enter the desert to receive the Torah. Thus, an opportunity to break free from habit and from inner or external bondage must never be postponed. In our generation, when many people—especially the young—seek authentic Judaism, the moment must be seized by presenting them with the complete, uncompromised truth of Torah.

The essence of Rosh Hashanah is the coronation of G-d as King, which awakens exalted awe and renews every Jew's personal bond with Him. Therefore, no confession is recited on Rosh Hashanah: sorrow for sin is absorbed within the overwhelming awareness of standing before the King, from which Teshuvah then follows by removing everything that obstructs this bond. The day's inspiration must not be diverted into broad resolutions about world affairs that lie beyond one's control; the plain sound of the Shofar calls a person to begin with himself and sanctify ordinary daily life, and from there to influence his surroundings.