This week’s Torah portion is Bo. It is named for the word “Bo,” by which Moses was directed by G-d to “go” to Pharaoh and continue to seek the release of the Jewish people from bondage. This portion tells of the beginning of the Jewish people’s Exodus from Egypt.
The Torah portion has a lot going on. It starts with the final three plagues as G-d has “hardened Pharaoh’s heart” and he has continued to ignore Moses' pleas on behalf of the Israelites. The portion particularly describes the final plague, the slaying of the first born. It also contains the origin and the meaning of the Passover celebration, with instructions that we still follow to this day.
Finally, the portion describes the departure from Egypt, discussing how the people took all of their flocks, herds, other possessions even gold, silver and other things “borrowed” from the Egyptians, and were allowed to leave.
I have always found it interesting that the Torah describes G-d as having hardened Pharaoh’s heart after several of the plagues. It seems that G-d intervened to assure that Pharaoh would not release the Israelites even if he were so inclined. Why would G-d do this? Commentators give us many theories. One theory is that until the final plague Pharaoh did not truly understand the power of G-d. Only after this was demonstrated could the Exodus begin.
When I look at this portion in the context of today, I see a lot that we can talk about. We certainly have experienced our share of plagues over the past twelve months. While they may not be plagues of the biblical variety, we have certainly had our share of disease, discord, and disunion. But what is the best way to heal? Do we forget the past? Of course not. Teaching our children about the past is so important that it is even a commandment contained in this portion and is carried out at every Passover Seder.
While it is important to know our history and honor our past, it is equally important to move forward. But dwelling too much on the past is not good either. So how have we continued to exist as Jews? And how can the world heal? The answer is “go.” Just as Moses went to Pharaoh and just as the Jews left Egypt, we must “go.” Go forward.
The Jewish people have always faced adversity. We were slaves in Egypt. We were persecuted by the Babylonians, the Greeks, and the Romans. We faced the Inquisition, the Pogroms and the Shoah. Yet we stand before the world now as world leaders, scholars, scientists and artists. Multiple generations of Jews have helped change the world. And how have they done this? We moved forward. We have not stood still and accepted adversity. We have challenged it and fought it. And we have been victorious. Whatever the obstacle, we said “Bo.”
Our challenge today, in the face of a troubled world is to say “Bo.” The best hope for the world is for people to “go” – to move forward together just like the Jews leaving Egypt and bring humanity to a healthier, better unified place.
Shabbat Shalom, Brad Levien
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