After hardening his heart and having his people suffer the plagues, Pharaoh finally acknowledges the one G-d, pointing to the heavens with one finger. None of the multiplicity of the idols of Egypt could protect him or his people. And after the destruction of his army in the sea, as if in his own chains, he witnessed the last of them drown, and across the now filled in waters, he saw a pillar of smoke leading the Jews out toward their future and freedom. May all cruel autocrats be transformed to hearts of compassion and all of us be guided to paths of freedom.