Parshat Bo*
In this week's Parsha, we resume the saga of the Ten plagues leading up to the Exodus from Egypt.
Pharaoh, having already endured nine plagues, tells Moshe, "Go, serve G‑d; only your flock and cattle shall remain." Moshe's response appears to be baffling: He tells Pharaoh, "not only will we take our cattle," but (as Rashi adds) "you will give us some of yours as well."
Why all the fuss about animals? Why was it important to keep the entire Jewish nation from freedom and the ability to leave Egypt just to bring their animals along?
Moshe’s intention was for the animals to serve as karbanot, offerings to G‑d. From the perspective of a Jewish person today, who has never brought an animal as a Sacrifice to G‑d, what relevance does this idea have to us?
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, in an address marking the second anniversary of the passing his predecessor, Rabbi Joseph I. Schneerson on the Tenth of Shevat 1952, explains the significance and central importance Judaism places on sacrifices, as well as its meaning today.
Since the Temple's destruction, although many of our rituals are not performed physically, the responsibility to fulfill G‑d's will is still there. However, instead of a central location where these acts were done for all of us collectively, the responsibility is now placed upon each of us as individuals.
It is incumbent upon all of us, to make sure, that everything that took place in the Temple, in form of a physical act, now transpires on a spiritual level.Even when the Temple stood, this was more than just an act; rather, a commitment of the individual offering the Sacrifice.
Just as one cannot describe an animal as either good or bad; being that an animal is all about life, vigor and power, the virtues of which can be used positively, as well as for destructive purposes; so too, the act of sacrificing an animal is to channel the physical energy and vitality for spirituality and holiness.
On this level, the idea of bringing a Sacrifice is more relevant than ever. We all need to work at harnessing our raw talent and potential to cultivate our G‑d given gifts to be used properly in line with His wishes.
Perhaps this is why Moshe was so adamant about the livestock, this mission of transforming oneself, tapping the potential within, is, and has always been, the central theme of our lives.
It is not easy, and that is why, the Rebbe continues, we have Moshe. It is the job of Jewish leaders to guide, inspire and to draw out the inner ability that is within us all.
Shabbat Shalom!
* The tenth of Shevat is also the day the Lubavitcher Rebbe assumed leadership of the Chabad movement in 1951. The Rebbe was in Portugal prior in June of 1941 en route to America. A talk given by the Rebbe in Lisbon was recorded in his diary and was published in New York in 1995.
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.