The first four parshas
of the book of Shemos deal with the exodus of the nation of Israel from Egypt.
In parshas Shemos Moshe Rabenu is appointed to lead this mission. Parshas VaEra
deals with the humiliation of Pharaoh and Egypt in preparation for the actual
exit. The exit begins in parshas Bo and ends in BeShalach when Israel crosses
the Red Sea border and enters into the Sinai desert no man’s land.
None of the plagues or
miracles is intended to force the release of Israel from Egypt. On the contrary
they are intended to provoke defiance and in doing so put a magnifying glass on
the most corrupt aspects of Egypt and its leader. The lesson to Israel is that
their actions should in no way be like the actions that are being viciously
mocked and harshly punished.
The haphtarah for
parshas Bo is from the book of Jeramiah. It is similar to the haphtarah for
parshas VaEra in that it is a prophecy of the destruction and exile of Egypt. However
Egypt is also described as a beauty being bitten by a horsefly. Among the
things that Egypt is being judged and punished for is their gods (אלהיה).
The term gods often refers to values or sources of power for example military
might, money, and guile.
The ending though is
puzzling in that it in that it tells Jacob not to be frightened or distressed
and assures him that his children will be returned to the Holy land from the
lands of their captivity. There they will live in quiet tranquility and the
nations that hounded them will be gone. However the last line is far from
indulgent. While an assurance of survival is given, their violations will not
be overlooked rather they will be fairly chastised.
The connection of the
haphtarah to the parsha is a balanced evaluation of Egypt and Israel. While
Egypt can be extremely wicked, never the less they also have their good points.
For example they generously welcomed the house of Jacob during their time of
need. In addition they greatly revered Joseph and placed him into a position of
great power.
On the other hand
Israel is reckoned as generally very good, however with some very severe
meanderings. Unfortunately there is a little bit of Pharaoh in their national
character which can only be removed by harsh means. When they behave like this
it will not be ignored, but when the horrors occur the Holy One blessed be He
will not overreact and certainly will not destroy the Jewish people. Rather
those that remain will be more pure and will have advanced.
A new era in the world
will begin when Israel is truly a tool in the hands of good Lord. At that time
Israel will dwell in its own land in peace and prosperity and difficulties of
the past will only be a faint memory.
לע"נ, ה סבתא ,טויבע בת יואל לייב ז"ל
נלב"ע כה שבט תשכ"ג
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