Bo – Peninim on the Torah

For a seven day period you shall eat matzos. (13:15)

The Rambam writes that matzoh is a reminder of our bondage, representing the lechem oni, bread of affliction, which our ancestors ate while they were slaves in Egypt. It also commemorates the speed with which the redemption was brought upon them. They had no time to bake bread to take with them for this journey. They were, consequently, forced to make matzos, to avoid the delay inherent in preparing leavened bread. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z”l, views these two reasons as complimentary to one another. It is significant to note that Bnei Yisrael played no role in their own liberation. They…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Bo, 5757

And you shall say, “It is a Pesach-offering to Hashem, Who passed over the houses of the Bnei Yisrael in Egypt.” (12:27)

The festival commemorating our exodus from Egypt, our liberation from the most cruel bondage, is called Chag Ha’Pesach, the Festival of Passover. This name recalls how Hashem “passed over” the Jewish homes during makas bechoros, when the Egyptian first-born were killed. Considering the nature of the festival and the focus of its commemorating, the name seems like a misnomer. Would it not have been more appropriate to call the festival, Chag Ha’cheirus, the Festival of Freedom? This was no ordinary redemption. It was a liberation from a cruel and intense slavery. The Jews were ensnared by the guile of the…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Bo, 5757

“So shall you eat it: Your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; you shall eat in haste.” (12:11)

The manner in which they ate the Korban Pesach reflected Bnei Yisrael’s readiness for immediate journey. In his commentary, the Sforno emphasizes their bitachon, trust in Hashem. He writes, “They demonstrated their implicit trust in Hashem by preparing themselves for the road while they were still in prison.” Horav Moshe Schwab, z”l, takes note of this remarkable trust in the Almighty. Bnei Yisrael had been subject to such inhuman servitude for hundreds of years, that they no longer knew the meaning of the word “freedom.” Even after Moshe had notified them of their imminent redemption, they still continued to function…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Bo, 5757

And so that you may relate in the ears of your son and your son’s son that I made a mockery of Egypt. (10:2)

The Torah places emphasis upon relating the miraculous nature of the ten plagues to one’s children/descendants – specifically concerning the plague of locusts. What is the significance of the plague of locusts that it has become the focus of transmission to future generations? Horav Simcha Zissel Broide, shlita, observes that the dialogue which ensued between Moshe and Pharaoh was not limited to Bnei Yisrael’s release from Egypt. Moshe was also using this forum to demonstrate to Pharaoh the identity of the Master of the world. It was Pharaoh who audaciously challenged Moshe with the words, “Who is Hashem that I…

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For a seven day period you shall eat matzos. (13:15)

And you shall say, “It is a Pesach-offering to Hashem, Who passed over the houses of the Bnei Yisrael in Egypt.” (12:27)

“So shall you eat it: Your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; you shall eat in haste.” (12:11)

And so that you may relate in the ears of your son and your son’s son that I made a mockery of Egypt. (10:2)

YEARS

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