Jewish Strength: Resilience, faith and An Enduring Spirit

In life, situations are rarely instantaneous; they unfold as continuous processes. The most impactful events, those that bring about enduring change, are not immediate but rather involve a gradual transformation over time. Whether it’s earning a degree, giving birth to a baby, purchasing a home, accumulating enough wealth for a home, or breaking free from slavery in Egypt – these significant milestones require preparation and a step-by-step journey.

 As we delve into the Parsha Bo, we are immersed in a sense of continuity. The story unfolds amidst the ten plagues, each representing a stage in the process of liberation. There is an ongoing dialogue between Moses and Pharaoh, mirroring the ongoing negotiations and challenges we face in life. The Israelites, destined for liberation, await. 

 I love that we continue to listen to the story of the ten plagues. Because this resonates with the essence of life – various events clustered to make processes, each contributing to a larger story. Life rarely offers a quick fix or a magic bullet; instead, it unfolds through a series of interconnected events. Parsha Bo captures this reality beautifully, reminding us that enduring change and liberation are products of patient preparation and a journey through life’s processes. This is what becomes our story. 

Jewish Identity: A Narrative of Resilience

This story serves as our tool, a potent instrument for survival and progress, actively shaping our future. The story we construct about our identity influences the path we forge ahead. In Parsha Bo, it narrates the tale of a people who, guided by G-d, display unwavering persistence and determination in their march toward liberation. These individuals eagerly anticipate reaching a promised land, following G-d’s instructions, and placing unyielding faith in His power.

 They don’t surrender to despair, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. They are resolute in their decision to leave, and their determination remains strong throughout the journey. Their desire for freedom perseveres through every challenge. The appointed time arrives, and the Jewish people recount this narrative to their children year after year, day after day – a story of resilience, faith, and the enduring pursuit of liberation.

“and in order that you tell into the ears of your son and your son’s son how I made a mockery of the Egyptians, and [that you tell of] My signs that I placed in them, and you will know that I am the Lord.”

Parsha Bo introduces the concept of actively passing down our story to future generations. Later in the text, it specifically mandates the Pesach offering. This practice of recounting events to us and the coming generations serves a dual purpose. It isn’t solely about showcasing G-d’s might; it’s a reminder that He is our true support. It’s a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Israelites to persist despite the challenges thrown their way.

 This resilience, the determination to forge ahead, echoes throughout Jewish history. From exiles to surviving the Holocaust and facing ongoing conflicts in Israel, this forward momentum has become ingrained in our very DNA. It’s a story of overcoming, a legacy of pushing forward, no matter how daunting the circumstances. This active recounting of our history instills within us the strength to confront challenges with the same resolution demonstrated by our ancestors.

Key to Success: A stubborn People

Bo delivers a powerful message: We must remind ourselves that we are a people of persistence and determination. Our commitment extends until we realize our goal – inhabiting the promised land and illuminating the world with our light. Undoubtedly, challenges will arise, one after another, along our path. Yet, the strength of the Jew lies not in giving in to these challenges but in seeing beyond them. It involves allowing our inner light to be our guide, propelling us forward with unwavering perseverance.

 While Pharaoh’s heart continued to harden, the Israelites’ commitment to leave Egypt only intensified. This was a result of witnessing G-d’s might in action, with each plague serving to strengthening their faith. The unfolding events provided the Israelites with a transformative perspective, allowing them to find new meaning amidst the darkness. Their deepened faith not only shaped their experience of life but also gave them a tunnel vision toward their goal – liberation.

Passover Offering Decoded

Besides witnessing G-d’s might and placing complete trust in Him, the Israelites actively played a role in their own liberation. They had to take proactive steps, starting with the observance of the Passover. God’s instructions were clear: they were to slaughter a lamb and use its blood to smear their doorposts. This act held significant meaning, as lambs were idolized by the Egyptians. By following this directive, the Israelites not only adhered to G-d’s will but also demonstrated the courage to defy their oppressors.

Additionally, as part of their preparation for liberation, the Israelites were required to consume unleavened bread, Matzah. This flat bread symbolized their readiness for a swift departure. 

 Today, we actively recount the Passover story, gathering at our seders to narrate the plagues, Pharaoh’s hardened heart, and Moses’s unwavering commitment to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This story isn’t just a historical tale; it wraps around the very identity of the Jewish soul, defining us as a perseverant people with an enduring spirit. The ongoing celebrations of Passover stand as a living testament to the strength and resilience ingrained in the Jewish people.

 Despite the rise and fall of empires, we persist in celebrating our freedom. It’s more than a commemoration; it’s a declaration of liberation into a world with limited perspectives. The Jewish soul, guided by G-d, possesses a unique ability to see beyond the natural. It is illuminated by laws that shape us into moral, ethical, and compassionate beings. The story of Passover resonates not just in our history but in our present identity, reinforcing the enduring strength and resilience of the Jewish people.

Amidst The Darkness: Israel-Hamas Conflict

The lessons from Parsha Bo remain profoundly relevant today, particularly in the context of the current Israel-Hamas conflict. The historical reality persists that some nations harbor a desire for the end of the Jewish people and the destruction of Israel. Centuries of wandering without a homeland cultivated a strong commitment to establish and maintain a Jewish homeland after the Holocaust.

To safeguard this homeland, Israel must, at times, take military measures to defend itself and protect its citizens. Even in the face of global disapproval, the Jewish nation is compelled to continue fighting for its land and its people, at all costs. 

The Jewish soul, guided by Torah and G-d, possesses a perspective that transcends the natural. Unfazed by threats, illusions, or worldly confusion, it forges ahead with a unique purpose: to bring light, goodness, love, and acts of kindness to those around.

In a world often characterized by confusion, the Jewish nation provides clarity of values, a moral compass, and exemplifies what it means to be a mensch—a person of integrity and honor.