The visual difference between these two possibilities is a simple letter yud – the difference between י נ א and י נ י א . 4 The coexistence of these versions of the midrashic tradition can resonate with our experience . At times like this we may feel compelled to act immediately and yet be paralyzed by fear or indecision , or we may do everything that we can think of and yet still feel that it is inadequate . Or , like the disagreement of the previous midrash , we may be so conflicted individually or among ourselves as to the correct course of action that we end up caught in the space between the י נ א and the י נ י א , between certainty and hesitancy . 5
At our seders this year , let us remember that disagreement and uncertainty are inherent in the Exodus experience but that even with their conflicts the Israelites emerged from the sea as one nation . And like our ancestors , let us hope that we may also merit the sheltering presence of the divine to protect us in our moments of uncertainty and danger .
Rabbi Matthew Goldstone , PhD is the Assistant Academic Dean and Assistant Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at the Academy for Jewish Religion .
4
According to some , there might not even be a lerer difference since the word י נ י א (“ I will not ”) can also be wriren without the extra yud , making it appear exactly like the word י נ א (“ I ”).
5
For more on the two aforemenmoned midrashim , and for the inspiramon behind this piece , see the analysis in Hebrew in M . Kister , Dynamics of Midrashic Tradi < ons in Second Temple and Rabbinic Literature ( Jerusalem : Magnes Press , 2024 ): 298-311 .
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