If there would be a list of the most important Torah portions, Parshas Bo would definitely be on this list. Because this Parsha includes the exodus from Egypt, we are taught to "remember the exodus from Egypt all the days of your life".

 

The question is asked: "if so why is this Parsha called by the name "Bo" which means "come", referring to Moshe coming to Pharoh?" It would seem that the Parsha should be called rather by a name that refers to the Exodus or to freedom, if this is indeed what the Parsha represents.

 

The Zohar explains that Moshe was in fear of approaching Pharoh in his palace therefore G-d said to him "come" with me to Pharoh, i.e. I will accompany you. The Zohar continues to explain that "Bo" is G-d saying, come with me into the essence of Pharoh.

 

For this we must understand what is the essence of Pharoh? What does Pharoh represent? The source of Pharoh's evilness is his egocentrism, the main problem of Pharoh is; his regarding his own self as the source and standard for everything.

 

Is ego a terrible thing to have? Only when you divorce the ego from it's source. When you forget that ego is something that G-d has granted in order for you to serve him.

 

Moshe Rabeinu did not fear the evil of Pharoh. If G-d had sent him, G-d would protect him. But when G-d told him to enter into the essence of Pharoh, he was terrified. How can a human being behold such a pure manifestation of the divine truth? To meet the divine truth at it's source. This means that within Pharoh there lies the source of good and evil.

 

Said G-d to Moshe: “Come to Pharoh.” Come with Me, and together we will enter the great serpent’s palace. Together we will penetrate the self-worship that is the heart of evil. Together we will discover that there is neither substance nor reality to evil—that all it is, is the divine in man put to the wrong use.

 

If this truth is too terrifying for a human being to confront on his own, come with Me, and I will guide you. I will take you into the innermost chamber of Pharoh’s soul, until you come face to face with evil’s most zealously guarded secret: that it does not, in truth, exist.

When you learn this secret, no evil will ever defeat you. When you learn this secret, you and your people will be free.

 

Have a great week,