Rabbi Roodyn

It is the society that is joined by tzedaka that becomes the national structure referred to in the pasuk as קהל עדת ישראל.

ישראל  is the national entity. עדה refers to the independent individuals who are responsible for the fulfilment of the nation’s mission, the community. קהל refers to the higher echelons of society, those who take responsibility for leadership and government.

These three groups are immortalised by the halacha derived from this phrase that the Korban Pesach must be slaughtered in three groups.

It is at this moment of the birth of the nation that each individual has to see themselves, their family, their community in a relationship with Hashem that depicts them as a שה, a sheep. They are to dedicate themselves to being ‘the sheep of His flock’ and accept Hashem as their Shepherd. From this point on, this becomes the most comprehensive and lasting view of our relationship to Hashem and His relationship to us, as shall be explained.