At the end of our Parshah are two paragraphs that are often overlooked in the great events related in the rest of the Parshah. Yet these sections contain an important message. Both of them contain the mitzvah of tefilin and both of them connect it intimately to the Exodus from Egypt. Because of the twice daily recitation of the Shema, we also often overlook the statements on tefilin in this section of the Torah. Yet they are no less important and provide an important perspective on a central mitzvah. In the Shema, the mitzvah of tefilin is connected to love of G-d and the learning of Torah. We are to remember the unity of G-d and our duty towards him by engaging in physical acts that remind us of this purpose: reciting the Shema, putting on tefilin and affixing a mezuzah. In our Parshah, however, the mitzvah of tefilin is linked to memory of the Exodus. The other mitzvot of the Shema, however, are not so connected. What is it about tefilin that makes them especially appropriate as an aid to remember G-d’s redemption of us from Egypt? The language used here to describe the Exodus holds a clue. In both paragraphs we are told to place the tefilin on our arms and heads because G-d took us out of Egypt with a strong hand. In another words Divine coercion was used to liberate us. We place tefilin on our arm, because G-d’s arm was used against Pharaoh. This leads us to a different understanding of the mitzvah. In the Shema, the various mitzvot are designed to lead us to an intellectual appreciation of G-d, as the unifying principle of the universe. In the sections in this weeks Parshah, however, the emphasis is on G-d’s mastery over the physical universe as demonstrated in the Exodus and our consequent duty to submit our physical bodies to His service. For this purpose the mitzvah of tefilin is particularly appropriate. The Rabbis class those that do not fulfil this mitzvah as ‘those that sin with their bodies’. Binding the word of G-d contained in tefilin on to our bodies, is physical act of submission to G-d. The G-d Who redeemed us from Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, wants our hands and arms used in His service, and that is a central lesson of the Exodus. A lesson we actualise every time we fulfil the mitzvah of tefilin.
ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS
Rishon |
Even the threat of Locusts fails to move Pharaoh. |
Sheni |
Locusts destroy the crops and darkness covers the land but the Jews have light. |
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Shelishi |
Moses is told to leave Pharaoh‘s presence on pain of death. He tells the Jews to ask for Egyptian presents. |
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Revi’i |
G-d tells Moses of the last plague and instructs him about Pesach. |
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Chamishi |
The Jews are told to prepare the Pesach sacrifice for the night of redemption. |
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Shishi |
All Egypt‘s first born die and the Jews are thrown out of Egypt. |
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Shevi’i |
The laws of Pesach and Tefilin for future generations. |
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Haftorah |
Jeremiah: 46;13-28: the Babylonians destroy Egypt. |
Sidra Statistics
Parshat Bo
has 105 verses ;
· is the 3rd in Exodus, 15th in the Torah
· 9th longest in Exodus, 33rd longest in the Torah
· has 9 pos + 11 neg = 20 mitzvot.
