In this week's parsha we read the 9th plague, the plague of darkness, which Hashem brought upon the Egyptians. The Torah explains that the darkness was so severe that it was "felt". Our sages explain that people couldn't move due to the thick darkness and whoever was sitting couldn't stand on whoever was standing couldn't sit.

The pasuk says further that "people were unable to see each other and nobody could stand up from it".

R'Biderman explains this is a hint to the fact that there is no greater darkness than when a person doesn't see his fellow. Because of this darkness he is therefore unable to help his friend stand up. Many people go through life totally self-absorbed, they never really inquire about their friends or acquaintances well-being and even if they do it is only to be polite. But people can't live in darkness where they don't see the plight and suffering of family, friends etc. We need to be able to reach out and help one another so we can help them stand up against the troubles and challenges they are facing.

How wonderful would it be if each person took up themselves to at least once a day do something nice for someone else. It doesn't always have to be a co-worker or someone you relate to outside the house, it can be a spouse, parent or child. Once a day go a little out of you way to help someone else, say something nice, or to just smile. It will help us all remove the darkness!

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath