Drash on Bo 2025

Rabbi Dr Orna Triguboff

Emanuel Synagogue

From Hostage/Slave to Freedom

As some hostages gradually return to a state of freedom, we remain acutely aware that their healing will be a slow and complex journey. Our hearts ache for them and their families, knowing that their lives will never be the same. Yet, we also rejoice that they are finally free, and grateful that they have escaped the grips of captivity.

There is hope for their healing, and hope is essential for well-being.

In our Torah reading, “Bo,” God instructs Moses to “Come to Pharaoh.” The sages question, “Why does it say ‘come’ rather than ‘go’?” One interpretation suggests that to confront Pharaoh—especially in his inner chamber—Moses must face the very essence of Pharaoh’s evil. After seven plagues and seven meetings, Moses is now preparing for the eighth encounter. This time, he must confront not only Pharaoh’s wickedness, but Moses’ own inner demons.

Just as Moses fought to liberate the Israelite slaves, our soldiers, politicians, and negotiators are engaged in an immense struggle to free our hostages. The inner journeys they undertake are monumental, whether they are warriors navigating the complexities of conflict in Gaza or negotiators working in the halls of Qatar. Each of these heroes grapples with external adversaries as well as their inner turmoil.

Similarly, in our own lives, we face situations where we must confront individuals with negative intentions and navigate our internal struggles. While circumstances may not be as stark as Hamas taking hostages, we all contend with personal challenges.

The Sefat Emet, a 19th-century Hasidic rebbe, teaches us that when God says to Moses, “Come to Pharaoh,” it implies that each person must confront their inner negativity and the negativity present in the world around them. Additionally, “Come to Pharaoh” suggests that God is inviting us: “Take my hand—we will face this together. You are not alone.”

The first commandment given to the Children of Israel, which we encounter in this week’s reading, is to celebrate the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh) — that delicate crescent in the sky indicating a new month and a new glimmer of hope. The Jewish Mystics would use the last day of a moon cycle to repent and reflect on ways to improve themselves in the month to come. Then each new moon becomes a celebration symbolizing a chance to assert, “I am not a slave to my negative habits; I can change, even if it takes time.”

This Shabbat, we confront Pharaoh in our own ways—both collectively and personally. We enter Shabbat filled with the joy and hope that our returned hostages will successfully navigate their journey to freedom.

We cannot forget those still in Gaza. We pray and strive to do everything within our power for Hamas to release them. No one should be left behind. As we face the darkness we hold onto joy and hope.

Shabbat Shalom and Am Yisrael Chai!