by Rabbi Margie Cella
Parashat Bo continues the story of the Exodus, beginning with the description of the final three plagues: locusts, then darkness, and, finally, the death of the firstborn.
God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and put the blood on the doorposts of their homes as a sign for the angel of death to pass over their houses. They are also instructed to eat unleavened bread for seven days.
Prior to the plague of locusts, Pharaoh’s courtiers, realizing that Egypt’s fate appears to be sealed, implore him to let the people of Israel go and worship God. Calling Moses and Aaron back to him, Pharaoh asks who will be going with them. Moses says that they will go with their young and old, sons and daughters; his intention is to include everyone. Hearing this, Pharaoh once again changes his mind, saying that he will only agree to allow the men to go.
Moses sets a powerful example for us all. As much as he wanted freedom, he knew that it must be for all the people, regardless of gender or age. No one was to be excluded from worshipping God. We are all equally important in the eyes of God, and God desires the prayers of each and every one of us.
Am Yisrael Chai! All people of Israel Live!
520 8th Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10018 | Phone: 405-870-1260 | info@wlcj.org
Copyright © 2025 Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. All rights reserved. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Website by Addicott Web