Published On Jan 22, 2024
The climax of Egyptian slavery in the Exodus narrative is the final plague that kills the Egyptian firstborn and inaugurates the Passover sacrifice. This Torah portion “Bo” (Exodus 10:1-13:16) raises important questions of how best to respond to oppression, to address the suffering of our enemies, and to balance history with the meaning of myth. This has particular resonance during the current war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Rabbi Adam Chalom, Dean for North America of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (www.iishj.org) and Rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation (www.kolhadash.com) shares his thoughts.