Parshat Bo 5781
Rabbi Jablinowitz
We read in this week’s parsha the momentous event of Yetzias Mitzrayim. This was the moment that Bnei Yisrael left the dominion of Pharaoh and were now able to fully accept the status as the nation of Hashem. But this didn’t really take place until Matan Torah when Bnei Yisrael received the Torah of their own volition and said (Chapter 24, Pasuk 7), Na’aseh V’Nishma. And Hashem makes this point to Moshe at the beginning of his mission (Chapter 3, Pasuk 12), B’Hotzia’cha es Ha’Am M’Mitzrayim Ta’avdun es Ha’Elokim al Ha’Har Hazeh. The ultimate goal of taking Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt was for them to receive the Torah; their leaving was just the beginning.
The Sfas Emes teaches that this was hinted at by Pesach Mitzrayim in their sprinkling blood on their doorposts. This was done as a sign for Hashem to skip over the Jewish homes and spare their firstborns. But the fact that it was on their doorway indicated that this was only the beginning of the process. It was placed at the opening of their homes to show that this was the opening stage in the process of become Bnei Yisrael.
If Yetzias Mitzrayim was the very beginning of a longer process culminating in receiving the Torah, why is it commemorated in the manner it is? As the Ramban teaches in the end of this week’s parsha, so many mitzvos commemorate Yetzias Mitzrayim, reflecting its significance. But it was only the “Petach”; the opening and beginning of a process!
Towards the end of the parsha, after Bnei Yisrael have left Mitzrayim, the pasuk says (Chapter 13, Pasuk 1), Kadesh Li Kol Bechor Peter Kol Rechem. Sanctify your firstborns, those who have opened wombs. And in the next pasuk we read, Zachor es Ha’Yom Asher Yetzasem M’Mitzrayim, remember the day you left Mitzrayim. And in the next pasuk, Hayom Atem Yotzim Be’Chodesh Ha’Aviv. You are leaving today in the month of Springtime.
The Sfas Emes teaches that there is a theme running throughout these pasukim. They are all focusing on the notion of beginnings. This parsha begins with the mitzvah of sanctifying the firstborn, the one who first breaks through his mother’s womb. And the Torah teaches us that the timing of Yetzias Mitzrayim wasn’t happenstance; it took place specifically during the month of renewal and a period of new starts. This symbolizes the significance of Yetzias Mitzrayim as the beginning and first steps of the nation of Israel.
It is precisely these first steps the Torah commands us to remember when it commands Zachor es Ha’Yom Asher Yetzasem M’Mitzrayim. The Torah wants us to remember this stage of early nationhood as a lesson for us as a nation and as individuals as well. When we remember how we began, we become energized and encouraged about the future. It gives us the strength to continue on and move further. But when we forget to look back to the beginning and focus on our current condition, it can be frustrating and even depressing. We don’t see a way out from our present state. But when we consider where we started and that Hashem is always with is, we are encouraged.
We learn this point from Shlomo Ha’Melech in sefer Koheles as well. The pasuk states (Chapter 7, Pasuk 8), Tov Acharis Davar M’Reishiso; the end of something is better than the beginning. According to Rashi’s second p’shat on the pasuk, the end will be successful based on its beginning. Being able to focus on its inception and the tremendous potential and assistance we receive from Hashem, enables us to follow through and bring matters to a successful conclusion. Keeping beginnings in focus enables us to continue forward and to accomplish our goal. And this is why Yetzias Mitzrayim, the very beginning of the nation of Israel, was such a momentous event and so necessary to always remember.
Good Shabbos
Print this article
