Parashat Bo
Parashat Bo describes the most dramatic moments in the birth of the Jewish people: the final three plagues, the Exodus from Egypt, the Korban Pesach, and the commandments of remembrance for future generations. This is not merely a story of miracles, but a story of education. It teaches how a nation of slaves becomes a people of freedom.
True freedom does not begin with physical departure from slavery, but with an inner transformation. A person may leave Egypt with their body, yet remain enslaved in their mind. Parashat Bo teaches that redemption begins when we recognize that God guides history, that suffering is not meaningless, and that memory shapes identity.
Here are fiveParashat Bo
Parashat Bo describes the most dramatic moments in the birth of the Jewish people: the final three plagues, the Exodus from Egypt, the Korban Pesach, and the commandments of remembrance for future generations. This is not merely a story of miracles, but a story of education. It teaches how a nation of slaves becomes a people of freedom.
True freedom does not begin with physical departure from slavery, but with an inner transformation. A person may leave Egypt with their body, yet remain enslaved in their mind. Parashat Bo teaches that redemption begins when we recognize that God guides history, that suffering is not meaningless, and that memory shapes identity.
Here are five…
Topic 1: The Plague of Darkness
Question: How can darkness be one of the most devastating plagues?
Answer: Because darkness is not merely the absence of light—it is the absence of hope.
The Torah describes the darkness in Egypt as tangible: “A darkness that could be felt.” People could not see one another and could not move from their place. Yet, at the same time, the Torah emphasizes: “For all the Children of Israel, there was light in their dwellings.”
This teaches that darkness is often internal. When a person loses direction, confidence, or faith, even the brightest world can feel paralyzed.
There is a story of a man who grew up in an environment filled with despair and low expectations. For years he felt stuck, unable to move forward. One day, a teacher looked at him and said, “I believe in you.” That single sentence became a small light within great darkness—and it changed the course of his life.
Parashat Bo reminds us: even when the world feels dark, the light of faith and purpose can still shine within us.
Topic 2: The Plague of the Firstborn
Question: Why was the Plague of the Firstborn the final and decisive blow?
Answer: Because it struck at the heart of Egypt’s future and sense of control.
The firstborn represents continuity, power, and destiny. When Egypt lost its firstborn, it lost the illusion that its future was guaranteed. God demonstrated that no human power is absolute.
There is a story of a highly successful businessman who suddenly lost everything—his wealth, his status, and his sense of security. At first, he felt completely broken. Yet over time, he rediscovered his family, his values, and his faith. He later said, “Only when I lost what I thought was my future did I discover a truer one.”
The Plague of the Firstborn teaches that sometimes the collapse of false security is what allows real growth and redemption to begin.
Topic 3: The Korban Pesach
Question: Why were the Israelites commanded to slaughter the lamb—the Egyptian god—publicly?
Answer: To free themselves from inner fear, not only from physical slavery.
The Korban Pesach was an act of courage. The Israelites were not only leaving Egypt; they were rejecting its values and its gods. This was spiritual liberation.
There is a story of a young student who was always afraid to express his beliefs. One day, despite shaking hands and a racing heart, he stood up and defended what he believed was right. That moment was terrifying—but it was also freeing.
Parashat Bo teaches that freedom begins when a person stops living in fear of others and starts living in alignment with truth and faith.
Topic 4: Matzah and Maror
Question: Why does the Torah command us to eat both matzah (bread of poverty) and maror (bitterness) together?
Answer: To teach that redemption does not erase the past—it gives it meaning.
Matzah reminds us of poverty and simplicity. Maror reminds us of suffering and oppression. Judaism does not ask us to forget pain, but to remember it in a way that builds wisdom and compassion.
There is a story of a woman who endured a difficult childhood. As an adult, she became a counselor for children in distress. She once said, “My pain became the tool through which I learned to heal others.”
Matzah and maror teach us that even hardship can become a foundation for purpose, growth, and kindness.
Topic 5: Telling the Story to Our Children
Question: Why does the Torah emphasize so strongly the commandment to tell the story of the Exodus to the next generation?
Answer: Because a nation without memory loses its identity.
“And you shall tell your child.” This is not a technical obligation—it is a sacred responsibility. Each generation must hear anew that it was born for freedom and purpose.
There is a story of a grandfather who told his grandchildren the same story again and again about his journey to the Land of Israel. One day they asked him, “Why do you always repeat it?” He answered, “So you will know who you are, even when I am no longer here.”
The story of the Exodus anchors us to our roots and reminds us of our mission.
Parashat Bo teaches that freedom is not a single moment, but a lifelong process. Through faith, courage, memory, and education, we learn that every person can leave their own personal Egypt.
By asking questions, remembering the past, and finding meaning in both suffering and redemption, we transform our personal stories into stories of light, purpose, and hope.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Asher Vaknin
BJCC Rabbi of the Bukharian Youth