I’m currently studying Parasha Ekev—for the second time this week. In verses 7:12 to 8:10, Hashem promises that He will protect the people of Israel and bless them many times over for keeping His commandments. They need not fear, because He will help them to victory over their enemies. However, they must eliminate all traces of idolatry. The people should remember their wanderings in the desert, during which they were entirely dependent on G-d. This leads to the conclusion that in the Holy Land, the Jewish people must face the responsibility of trusting in Hashem’s words and putting them into practice. What applies to Eretz Yisrael is not fully valid for the Diaspora; after all, the entire Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) is a single reference to Israel and all Jews—including those in the Diaspora. In the land to which He brings us, nothing will be lacking. Moshe Rabbeinu therefore lists the seven species that distinguish Israel—wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olive oil, and date honey. He also mentions that one is obligated to thank G-d when one has eaten enough. This is known as „benschen“ (blessing) during Kiddush in synagogues or at home. Moshe Rabbeinu warns against taking credit for prosperity or victories. Hashem alone is responsible for them and the power that makes them possible. Moshe then recalls (8:11–10:11) that the people repeatedly provoked G-d in the desert. And Moshe describes how he interceded for the people after the incident with the Golden Calf. Then the people received the Tablets of the Covenant for the second time. I noticed that this second pair of Tablets differs slightly from the first pair, because I am convinced that the entire nation deserves a second chance, and we must continually reexamine the statements of the Aseret Hadibrot. You, too, are the eternal heritage of the people and begin with Hashem introducing Himself and proclaiming liberation from Mizraim. It is a twofold liberation. For we are truly free, firstly, in our consciousness, and only then when we have arrived in Eretz Israel.
Schlagwort: Liberation
Parasha Bo – the Liberation from Mizrajim
I noticed the following in Parasha Bo. Firstly, the ETERNAL teaches us many laws. They are a double expression of importance, because on the one hand they are listed in great numbers in the Parasha; on the other hand, as laws and legal statutes, they underline the obligation for our lives and relationships with one another. Topics in Parasha Bo include the Seder evening and refer directly to Passover, the counting of the Omer, Shavuot and the right of first fruits.
The Parasha itself reports another encounter with Pharaoh after they, Moshe and Aharon, were brought back to his house.
Pharaoh declares harshly:
„Serve HIM, your God!“
He thereby shows that he is reluctant to make this statement and that „your God“ cannot mean the G-d of Israel.
Moshe speaks to Pharaoh as the answerer, although no question was asked…
„We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters, with our flock and our herds, – it is HIM who is our feast.“
Yes, Pharaoh is the prototype of the anti-Semite. He says that the LORD will be with the Israelites, i.e. Jews, the moment he lets them go. He presumes to equate himself with the G-d of Israel by equating his decision to release them with the LORD who is there for his people. Interestingly, the Torah says of the events: „So may the Lord be with you, as I have let you go with your children! See that your plan is evil!“
With Pharaoh, we are clearly dealing with a projective identification. The evil is split off from oneself and attached to the Jews. A phenomenon that extends to the present day.
The further plagues come immediately…
It goes on like this, for every sin of Pharaoh, the next plague comes. And in this process of being held accountable for his misdeeds, Pharaoh’s true attitude becomes ever clearer. Until in the end the locusts leave nothing in Mizrajim. Everything is a divine plan, because it says in Bo 10:20: „And the LORD strengthened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he did not let the children of Israel go.“
Then darkness follows over Mizrajim… a full three days. You have to In this context, we should remember that in Egypt the sun was worshipped as the deity Re. But there was light in all the dwellings of the children of Israel.
Again, Pharaoh says that all men can go, but not without the immediate restriction that this does not include sheep and cattle. Moshe answers him that sacrifices and burnt offerings must be offered to the Eternal. Therefore, he tells Him that the livestock must also come along. Pharaoh is beside himself and angry and does not want to let them go. Here, too, the G-d of Israel hardens Pharaoh’s heart and so he says to Moshe: „You have spoken rightly, I will never see your face again.“
This is the last sentence in chapter 10.
Then the ETERNAL explains to Moshe that he wants to bring another plague and that then Pharaoh will let the Israelites go. He says that they will be driven out. It is the death of all the firstborn of Mizrajim.
For details, I ask for intensive Torah study of the text, because it contains many more important statements… with regard to the liberation of Israel from Mizraim.
Words and Passion 