Confronting Pharaoh

The name of this week’s Torah reading, Bo, means “come,” and also “enter” or “penetrate.” Moses was commanded to approach Pharaoh—to enter room after room, penetrating to the very core of his palace, as described in the Zohar.

The Zohar explains that Moses shrank from this charge. He was daunted by confronting evil at its core. To reassure him, G-d said, “Come”—meaning, “come with Me,” not “go alone.” G-d promised to accompany Moses in facing Pharaoh.

This command reflects a dual message: it demands personal initiative while promising Divine support. Moses had to act, but not independently—G-d would stand with him.

This dynamic plays out in our own spiritual struggles. We, too, must confront our “Pharaoh”—the challenges to Jewish involvement posed by the outside world—not from afar, but by penetrating to their core.

Such a task is meant to be daunting. If it isn’t, it isn’t truly a challenge. Yet hesitation should be only temporary. We have the strength to persevere.

And when we do, we discover we are not alone. G-d supports our efforts, empowering us to speak and act with a strength beyond our own.

This transforms the world around us. Just as Pharaoh ultimately became the force urging the Jews out of Egypt, so too every challenge can be transformed into a positive force, aiding and advancing our Jewish involvement.

Shabbat Shalom!

Candle lighting time in NYC: 4:45 PM