This parashah is entitled Bo. In Hebrew, bo has two meanings: ‘Go’ and ‘Come.’ As Adonai continues to judge Egypt, He is bringing Pharaoh to the point where he tells the Hebrews to ‘Go’ while also preparing the Israelites to ‘Come’ to Him. This parashah describes the last three judgments on Egypt and ends with Passover.
Author: Yahulia
Parashah 14: Va’era (I appeared)
In the previous parashah, Pharaoh asks, “Who is Adonai, that I should obey when he says to let Isra’el go? I don’t know Adonai, and I also won’t let Isra’el go” (Exodus 5:2-3). In this parashah and the next, Pharaoh and Egypt along with Moshe, Aaron, and the Hebrews will learn exactly who ‘I am’ is, the greatness of His power, and His faithfulness to the covenants He made with the patriarchs.
Parashah 13: Sh’mot (Names) – EXODUS
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Nafatli, Gad, and Asher entered into Egypt as a nation of 70 Hebrews. They joined Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Their descendants increased and they grew very powerful. Centuries later, a Pharaoh came to power who knew nothing about Joseph and his family. The fear of Isra’el –– anti-semitism –– begins.
Parashah 12: Vayechi (He lived)
The ‘hand under the thigh’ oath was used when Abraham sent Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac. Joseph puts his hand under his father’s thigh symbolizing the covenant promise of descendants for Jacob. He wants Joseph to swear an oath that his bones will be taken back to his father’s land, the Land of Promise given to Abraham, and buried in the cave with his ancestors.