Rabbi Howard Morrison

In Parshat Bo, we continue to read about the Ten Plagues. A constant refrain is Moses declaring to Pharaoh, "Let my people go that they may serve God." In modern life, these words were made famous by Dr. Martin Luther King and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Both are remembered this week, as they walked together during the civil rights movement in the 1960's.

Notice that the words "let my people go" are followed by the expreession "that they may serve God." Freedom is not only from oppression but for the purpose of a higher goal, serving God. In the Jewish calendar, "freedom from" is celebrated during Passover, and "freedom for" is celebrated during Shavuot.

This week marks over 100 days since the horrors of October 7 and the taking of hostages. The status of some 136 hostages is unknown as of this blog. The words and the prayer of "Let may people go that they may serve God" take on contemporary meaning over the past three plus months.

With the reading of Parshat Bo and the celebration of the ancient Exodus, may all of our persecuted brothers and sisters know of freedom very soon.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison