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Parsha B´Shelach | When [Pharaoh] Let [the People] Go

2/21/2017

By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

After Egypt was devastated by the ten plagues, Pharaoh dismissed the children of Israel. However, after allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt, Pharaoh reconsidered his decision and chase after them to force their return. The Israelites find themselves trapped between Pharaoh´s armies and the Red sea. The L-RD tells Moses to raise his staff over the water and the sea splits to allow the children of Israel to pass through dry ground, and then closes over the pursuing Egyptians and killed the Egyptians armies. Moshe and the children of Israel sing a song of praise and gratitude to the Most High.

While the people are in the desert, everyone of them suffered thirst and hunger, and repeatedly complain to Moses and Aaron. The L-RD miraculously sweetens the bitter waters of Marah, and later Moses bring forth water from a rock by striking it with his staff. He causes manna, the bread of life, to rain drown from the heavens before dawn each morning, and quails to appear in the Israelite camp each evening.

The Israelites are instructed to gather a double portion of manna on Friday, as none will descend on Shabbat, the divinely decreed day of rest. Some did not follow the instructions and go to gather manna on the seventh day, but find nothing. Aaron was instructed to preserve a small quantity of manna in a jar, as a testimony for future generations. In Rephidim, the people are attacked by the Amalekites, who are defeated by Moses´prayers and an army raised by Joshua.

Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.

Psalms 23:4

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Parsha Bo | Come

2/11/2017

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By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

Most of the translation of the word “Bo” here even among the Jewish commentaries is “Go” but I tend to believe that it is rather proper to use “Come” for the L-RD did not send Moshe without His presence. He specifically said in Exo 3:12 that He will be with Moshe and was reiterated in Exo 4:15. Furthermore, the Hebrew text in Exo 10:1 is ויאמר יהוה אל־משׁה בא אל־פרעה כי־אני הכבדתי את־לבו ואת־לב עבדיו למען שׁתי אתתי אלה בקרבו׃ and the literal context with the presence of the two Hebrew word El את (G-D) appears that indeed G-D went with Moshe as it can literally be understood as “And the L-RD G-D said to Moshe
come (with) G-D to Pharaoh.3 In Exo 10:3 and 8, the word “go” used a Hebrew word “shalach.”

Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds that fly about in mid-heaven, “Come, gather together for the great feast God is giving,

Revelations 19:17

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Parsha B´Shelach | When [Pharaoh] Let [the People] Go

By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

The message

Parsha Bo | Come

By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

The message

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