Parashat Bo 5786

by Rabbi Margie Cella

Often when I am preparing to write each week, I refer to what I wrote in my book to jog my memory. This week I was drawn to my commentary on the ninth plague, which I wrote on January 18, 2021. I’d like to quote parts of my own words because their relevance is perhaps even stronger today than when I first wrote them:

Moses raised his hand towards the sky and a thick, tangible darkness descended upon Egypt, so thick that people could feel it, so thick that people were immobilized, unable to move from their place for three days’ time [Exodus 10:21–23]. Darkness can be very frightening because it contains the unknown. Not only could [the Egyptians] literally not see their hands in front of their faces, but they could also feel the darkness like a physical entity. And it enveloped them. 

[Pharaoh] had hardened his heart to the point where he was incapable of recognizing the power or goodness of God or believing in God at all. And his courtiers had blindly followed his example. He also could not or would not see how his actions had affected those around him. Additionally, we are told that “people could not see one another.” [10:23] I think that in our country today we have a metaphorical darkness. We, as a society, are so strongly divided on so many issues—political, social, environmental, religious, etc.—that many of us cannot or will not see our neighbors who are standing right in front of us.

These words could have been written today.

Oseh Shalom, Maker of Peace, may we find the courage to reach out beyond the darkness to extend a hand of peace and understanding to those with whom we disagree.