Parshat BO Torah lessons (Exodus 10)

Parshat 'Bo' (Exodus 10)
Some basic teachings contained in Parshat Bo:

•Parshat Bo begins with an important concept: G-od's interactions with the nations instruct us about our task in life, which is to grow in awareness of G-o'ds presence. In order that G-od's will might be done, He takes away a measure of free will from the world leaders (specifically from Pharaoh in this parsha). The Hebrew phrase for this concept is ''LEV MELAHHIM B'YAD HASHEM'' (Heart of kings /is/ in G-od's hand).

•parshat Bo states that Hashem 'hardened' Pharaoh's heart, so he would not be moved by G'ods display of might in bringing the ten plagues upon Egypt. The verse states the purpose of this 'hardening': it was to show to all the nations how Hashem shapes and manipulates the natural world to bring Israel to Him.

•(Some commentaries note that the 'hardening of the heart' was to RETURN Pharaoh's free will, not remove it~ only through 'hardening of the heart' would pharaoh be able to retain his free will when faced with G'ods might in the form of the ten plagues. The revelation of G'ods might in Egypt was so OVERWHELMING that only through 'hardening of the heart' was Pharaoh able to retain his free will).

•Remembering Israel's slavery in Egypt is a CONSTANTLY binding commandment, a sign for all the generations. The mitzvas of Tefillin, of Passover and of Shabbat are all ways to remember the egyptian slavery. (Parshas Bo ends with the mitzva of Tefillin).

•Exodus 12:2 uses a very surprising word toward the egyptians: rayekha רעיך ''your friend/neighbor/fellow human being. The word ''reish-ayen'' is found in the iconic ''Love your /neighbor/ as yourself'' (Lev.19:18). Though it might be understood as refering only to our 'friends' or brothers, we see that even the EGYPTIANS who had after all ENSLAVED us, are nevertheless referred here as 're'ah', towards whom we are supposed to act with love.
(of course ''loving one's neighbor'' does not mean allowing ourselves be abused or killed. It means that we need always to relate to others with JUSTICE, not with vengefulness.)

•We see that G-od gives all nations a CHANCE to join Israel in serving Him, as a number of Egyptians DID join Israel during Exodus. However, those who seek to harm Israel will be punished, even though it might take a long time...