Parashat Bo
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===Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart=== | ===Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart=== | ||
− | Hashem tells [[Moshe Rabbenu|Moshe]] to go threaten and warn Pharaoh,<ref>Rashi</ref> saying that He purposely hardened his heart, this time hardening the heart of his ministers as well.<ref>Ikar Sefsi Chachamim</ref> This would enable Hahsem to continue afflicting them in order that further generations could be told how He tormented and made mockery of Egypt and the awesome miracles that were performed there | + | Hashem tells [[Moshe Rabbenu|Moshe]] to go threaten and warn Pharaoh,<ref>Rashi</ref> saying that He purposely hardened his heart, this time hardening the heart of his ministers as well.<ref>Ikar Sefsi Chachamim</ref> This would enable Hahsem to continue afflicting them in order that further generations could be told how He tormented and made mockery of Egypt and the awesome miracles that were performed there. |
====Hearts of His Ministers==== | ====Hearts of His Ministers==== | ||
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===The Warning=== | ===The Warning=== | ||
− | Moshe and Aharon once again approach Pharaoh and in the name of Hashem and inquire why he refuses to humble himself before Hashem and free the Jews to serve Him, warning him that a refusal will bring about a plague of locusts | + | Moshe and Aharon once again approach Pharaoh and in the name of Hashem and inquire why he refuses to humble himself before Hashem and free the Jews to serve Him, warning him that a refusal will bring about a plague of locusts. This would be the largest locust attack to ever hit Egypt since its creation. They would cover the entire land, blocking the sunlight and devouring all that remained from the Plague of Hail and would fill up all the homes of the Egyptians. |
− | During this encounter Moshe also hinted to Pharaoh about the upcoming 'plague of darkness' that did not receive any subsequent warning. Similarly, around this time Moshe already instructed the Jews to begin preparing themselves to preform the 'great inspection' of the Egyptian's homes, that would later occur during the 'plague of darkness'.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref> Moshe noticed Pharaohs ministers glancing at each other in belief but afraid to speak up and side with him against their ruler while he was in the room. Moshe therefore | + | During this encounter Moshe also hinted to Pharaoh about the upcoming 'plague of darkness' that did not receive any subsequent warning. Similarly, around this time Moshe already instructed the Jews to begin preparing themselves to preform the 'great inspection' of the Egyptian's homes, that would later occur during the 'plague of darkness'.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref> Moshe noticed Pharaohs ministers glancing at each other in belief but afraid to speak up and side with him against their ruler while he was in the room. Moshe therefore exited, giving them an opportunity to conference and possibly repent.<ref>Avosenue in name of Shimos Rbba 13 / 4 and Rvash 10 / 7</ref> |
===Urging of the Ministers=== | ===Urging of the Ministers=== | ||
− | Upon the exit of Moshe and Aharon, Pharaoh's ministers implore him to free the Jews so they can rid themselves from this obstacle that threatens to destroy the country. Moshe and Aharon are called back by a messenger<ref>Rashi</ref> and Pharaoh inquires exactly who they wish to have participate in their journey of worship. Moshe replies that the entire nation including the seniors, children and livestock must go | + | Upon the exit of Moshe and Aharon, Pharaoh's ministers implore him to free the Jews so they can rid themselves from this obstacle that threatens to destroy the country. Moshe and Aharon are called back by a messenger<ref>Rashi</ref> and Pharaoh inquires exactly who they wish to have participate in their journey of worship. Moshe replies that the entire nation including the seniors, children and livestock must go, pointing out that just like all these groups performed slave labor to him, it was now befitting that they service Hashem.<ref>Avoseue / Rag 10 /9</ref> Pharaoh replies that he sees in astrological readings a star of blood and annihilation called 'Raah' rising in their direction, therefore he only agrees to the adult males leaving. Additionally it is only routine for adult men to partake in the sacrifice rituals that they were requesting to celebrate.<ref>Rashi</ref> Their requesting allowance for the departure of the women and children is proof that they plan on fleeing instead of returning following the celebrations.<ref>Avoseue / Shemos Rabba 13 / 5</ref> Pharaoh has Moshe and Aharon evicted from his presence.<ref>Ikar Sefsi Chachamim</ref> |
====The Star of Raah==== | ====The Star of Raah==== | ||
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===The Inception=== | ===The Inception=== | ||
− | Hashem tells Moshe to | + | Hashem tells Moshe to raise his hand on the Land of Egypt to bring fourth the locust that will devour all the produce remaining from the Plague of Hail. Moshe raises his rod on Egypt and Hashem blows and eastern wind that entire day and following night. At dawn of the following morning the wind caries the cloud of locust into Egypt, which proceeded to descend all over boundaries of the land, covering the entire ground surface, making it unseeable. This was the thickest swarm of single species of locust to ever attack in the previous and future history of the world. During the time of [[Yoel HaNavi|Yoel]] the swarm was thicker but was composed of four species of locusts. So thick was the swarm that it blotted out the sun,<ref>Avosenue</ref> darkening the land. The locust then proceeded to completely devour all the grass and fruit trees surviving from the hail. |
===The Punishment=== | ===The Punishment=== | ||
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===The Withdrawal=== | ===The Withdrawal=== | ||
− | Pharaoh | + | Pharaoh calls Moshe and Aharon and apologizes, saying he has sinned to Hashem and also to them for having them evicted.<ref>Avosenue</ref> He requests that he be pardoned this one time and they should pray to Hashem to remove the death of the locust. Moshe leaves Pharaoh and prays to Hashem. Hashem brings a strong western wind that caries the locust into the Red Sea. Not a single locust remains in Egypt, even the dead salted locusts that had been caught by the Egyptians and preserved by the barrel to avoid future starvation, came back to life and departed.<ref>Rashi</ref> Hashem once again hardens Pharaoh's heart and he does not release the Jews. |
==Plague of Darkness== | ==Plague of Darkness== | ||
− | Hashem tells Moshe to | + | Hashem tells Moshe to raise his hand over Egypt. Moshe does so and darkness descends over Egypt, even darker then the darkness of night,<ref name="Rashi Shemos 10:21">Rashi Shemos 10:21</ref> with a thickness that made it tangible.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 10:21"/> For three days the Egyptians were unable to see one another, this was followed by an additional three days where the darkness was so thick that they could not move. If an Egyptian was sitting, he was unable to stand, and if he was standing, he was unable to sit.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 10:22">Rashi Shemos 10:22</ref> The Jews retained light in all their dwellings. |
===Death of Wicked Jews=== | ===Death of Wicked Jews=== | ||
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==Death of Firstborn Warning== | ==Death of Firstborn Warning== | ||
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− | + | Pharaoh summons Moshe and permits all the Jews including the children to leave, however their cattle must remain in Egypt. Moshe replies that since they do not know yet what amount of animals will be required for the holiday sacrifice they must take all their livestock with them, to insure they have enough.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 10:26">Rashi Shemos 10:26</ref> He then informs Pharaoh that in the end he will supply additional animals from his own. Hashem strengthens Pharaho's heart and he once again refuses the request. Pharaoh commands Moshe to leave and warns him to never visit him again saying he will die the day he tries. Moshe confirms this saying Pharaoh had spoken appropriately, at the right time<ref name="Rashi Shemos 10:29">Rashi Shemos 10:29</ref> and he will no longer see his face. | |
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− | + | As Moshe was standing in front of Pharaoh he enters a state of prophecy. Hashem tell him that he will bring one more plague upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians after which they will completely evict the Jewish nation. He then requests Moshe to please instruct the Jews<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:2"/> to borrow golden and silver vessels from the Egyptians, so the righteous Avraham will not say Hashem fulfilled His promise to enslave and oppress the Jews but not His promise that afterwards they will leave with great possessions.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:2">Rashi Shemos 11:2</ref> At this point the Jews were already looked upon in great grace and Moshe was very respected in the eyes for the Egyptians and Pharaoh's ministers. | |
− | Moshe | + | |
− | + | Moshe turn to Pharaoh and informs him that around midnight of the following night Hashem will navigate inside Egypt killing all first born from the royal prince to the lowly slaves as well as all first born animals. A cry will then rise throughout Egypt like was never heard before and will never be heard again. To all the Jews no dog will bark to differentiate between them and the Egyptians. All of Pharaoh's ministers will then come down and bow before Moshe pleading him to take the Jewish Nation that follows him<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:8">Rashi Shemos 11:8</ref> and leave. This in essence was directed at Pharaoh himself, however in order to accord respect to the royalty, Moshe termed it as 'Pharaoh's ministers'. After he had completed his words,<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:8"/> Moshe then leaves with great anger that Pharaoh instructed him never again to see his face.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:8"/> | |
− | ====Around Midnight | + | Hashem tells Moshe that Pharaoh will not heed his warning, allowing Him to bring three more miracles; the plague of the firstborn, the splitting of the Red Sea, and the stirring of the Egyptians into the sea.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:9">Rashi Shemos 11:9</ref> |
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+ | ===Around Midnight=== | ||
Hashem said he would strike the first born exactly at midnight. Yet Moshe feared that Pharaoh’s astrologers who did not have the ability to calculate the exact moment of Chatzot, would later claim that he was a liar, saying the plague occurred a little before or after. Moshe therefore said "around Chatzot".<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:2"/> | Hashem said he would strike the first born exactly at midnight. Yet Moshe feared that Pharaoh’s astrologers who did not have the ability to calculate the exact moment of Chatzot, would later claim that he was a liar, saying the plague occurred a little before or after. Moshe therefore said "around Chatzot".<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:2"/> | ||
− | Additionally Moshe himself lacked a complete grasp on the mystery of 'Chatzot'. He was aware that the main redemption would be the 'final redemption' which is dependent on the mourning of the righteous each night at Chatzot about the exile of the Shichina. However Moshe was unable to determine exactly when it would occur, since it is very concealed from even the greatest Tzadikim. Therefore when he wished to allude in his words to the 'final redemption' since that was always Moshe's end focus, he was only able to do it with vagueness, saying; 'around Chatzot I will pass through Egypt' (Egypt alludes to all the other exiles as well), since it is very vague and concealed. [[Dovid HaMelech|Dovid HaMelech]] however, who himself was an aspect of Moshiach, was able to reference Chatzot directly. | + | Additionally Moshe himself lacked a complete grasp on the mystery of 'Chatzot'. He was aware that the main redemption would be the 'final redemption' which is dependent on the mourning of the righteous each night at Chatzot about the exile of the Shichina. However Moshe was unable to determine exactly when it would occur, since it is very concealed from even the greatest Tzadikim. Therefore when he wished to allude in his words to the 'final redemption' since that was always Moshe's end focus, he was only able to do it with vagueness, saying; 'around Chatzot I will pass through Egypt' (Egypt alludes to all the other exiles as well), since it is very vague and concealed. [[Dovid HaMelech|Dovid HaMelech]] however, who himself was an aspect of Moshiach, was able to reference Chatzot directly. |
− | + | ===Captives, Slaves & Animals=== | |
Firstborn captives died to discredit a possible claim that their deity was not extracting vengeance upon the Egyptians for all their suffering.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:5">Rashi Shemos 11:5</ref> Firstborn slaves died since they too had Jews labor for them and were happy about their misfortune.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:5"/> Since the Egyptians worshiped domesticated animals and when Hashem punishes a nation he also punishes its deities, the first born animals also perished.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:5"/> | Firstborn captives died to discredit a possible claim that their deity was not extracting vengeance upon the Egyptians for all their suffering.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:5">Rashi Shemos 11:5</ref> Firstborn slaves died since they too had Jews labor for them and were happy about their misfortune.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:5"/> Since the Egyptians worshiped domesticated animals and when Hashem punishes a nation he also punishes its deities, the first born animals also perished.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 11:5"/> | ||
==Kidush Hachodesh== | ==Kidush Hachodesh== | ||
− | Hashem spoke to Moshe and to Aharon | + | Hashem spoke to Moshe and to Aharon telling them that the current month of Nissan should be the head and first month of the year. This would make Iyar the second month and Sivan the third. Hashem also showed Moshe the moon at its renewal stage, stating that when the moon reached that point, it is a new month and the time to sanctify it. Aharon is given the honor of being included in the first commandment since he had worked and toiled with the miracles just like Moshe.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 12:1">Rashi Shemos 12:1</ref> This prophesy was given outside the city since it was full of idols.<ref name="Rashi Shemos 12:1"/> It began during the day, right before sunset, continuing into the night so Hashem could exhibit the actual moon as an illustration of his words. |
− | Moshe found it difficult to determine the precise moment of the moon's renewal and what size it must appear before it becomes fit for sanctification. | + | Moshe found it difficult to determine the precise moment of the moon's renewal and what size it must appear before it becomes fit for sanctification. Hashem showed Moshe with His finger the moon in the sky at the moment it was fit for sanctification. |
==Kurban Pesach== | ==Kurban Pesach== | ||
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==Death of Firstborn== | ==Death of Firstborn== | ||
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Pharaoh and his ministers ability to harden their hearts despite all the great suffering being afflicted upon their country, was beyond the capability of the Kilpah of Mitzrayim and emanated from the much higher Klipa of Amalek. Amalek is the first and foremost of the Nations, manifesting the essence of the Bichor / Firstborn of the Sitra Acher. Therefore when Hashem smote the firstborns, the Klipah of Amalek temperately lost its hold on the Egyptians since it had been grasping on to the element that was closest to its essence. Therefore Pharaoh and his ministers were reduced to nourishing off their own Klipa, no longer having the energy needed to harden their hearts, causing Makat Bechorot to do what no other plague had done until that point. | Pharaoh and his ministers ability to harden their hearts despite all the great suffering being afflicted upon their country, was beyond the capability of the Kilpah of Mitzrayim and emanated from the much higher Klipa of Amalek. Amalek is the first and foremost of the Nations, manifesting the essence of the Bichor / Firstborn of the Sitra Acher. Therefore when Hashem smote the firstborns, the Klipah of Amalek temperately lost its hold on the Egyptians since it had been grasping on to the element that was closest to its essence. Therefore Pharaoh and his ministers were reduced to nourishing off their own Klipa, no longer having the energy needed to harden their hearts, causing Makat Bechorot to do what no other plague had done until that point. | ||
− | Because the Klipah of Amalek excels in revival and had not been harmed itself, only its hold over Egypt, it soon found a new way to leach on, causing the Egyptians to chase the Jews into the Yam Suf. It is well known that members of Amalek were amongst the group that reported the Jews confusion in the desert to Pharaoh and then edged him into the case. When the Egyptians were destroyed in the Yam Suf, the Klipah of Amalek renewed itself again, this time directly attacking the Jews in the desert. | + | Because the Klipah of Amalek excels in revival and had not been harmed itself, only its hold over Egypt, it soon found a new way to leach on, causing the Egyptians to chase the Jews into the Yam Suf. It is well known that members of Amalek were amongst the group that reported the Jews confusion in the desert to Pharaoh and then edged him into the case. When the Egyptians were destroyed in the Yam Suf, the Klipah of Amalek renewed itself again, this time directly attacking the Jews in the desert. |
==Exodus from Egypt== | ==Exodus from Egypt== |