A Word From The Rabbi
Dear Friend,
The name of this week's Torah reading Bo means "come." In between the seventh and eight of the ten plagues, Moses was commanded by G‑d, "Come to Pharaoh." More particularly, the term "bo" is also interpreted as meaning "enter" or "penetrate." As the Zohar, the fundamental text of Jewish mysticism states, Moses was told to enter room after room, penetrating to the very core of Pharaoh's palace.
The Zohar continues, explaining that Moses shrank at the command to approach Pharaoh. He was daunted by the charge to confront evil at its very core. To reassure him, G‑d told him, "come." "Come," i.e., "come with Me," and not "go," "go alone." G‑d promised that He would accompany Moses and face Pharaoh with him.
This command thus requires personal initiative, and simultaneously, promises that such initiative will be rewarded by G‑d's assistance. Moses was required to act on his own, but not independently. G‑d would support his efforts.
This dynamic is replayed in microcosm in the myriad spiritual struggles that we all continually face. We must confront Pharaoh - brave the challenges to Jewish involvement that the outside environment appears to present. And this includes not only viewing those challenges from afar, but penetrating to their core and looking at them from up close.
One would be foolish not to be somewhat daunted by this task. Indeed, if it is not daunting, it is not a challenge.
And yet, one's hesitation should only be temporary. We have the power to persevere in our mission.
When we do, we find out that we are not alone. G‑d is with us, supporting our efforts. Simply put, we see ourselves speaking and acting with greater power than we could ever muster on our own.
Behaving in this manner transforms the world around us, including the challenging forces. Just as Pharaoh became the power who urged the Jews out of Egypt, so too, every element of our existence can become a positive and contributory influence, aiding our Jewish involvement.
Wishing you a successful week,
Rabbi Yudy Shemtov
Senior Rabbi/Executive Director