Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Parashat Bo – A Microcosm of Society

Weekly Sidra: Bo (Go) Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 10:1-13:16 Haftorah: Yermiyahu / Jeremiah 46:13-28 The Israelites journeyed from Raamses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children. 38 Moreover, a mixed multitude went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds. 39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had taken out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, since they had been driven out of Egypt and could not delay; nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves. (Shemot 12: 37-39) In this week’s reading we see two interesting factors about the multitude which left Egypt. First, there were about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children. Next we see that a mixed multitude went up with them. What is the significance of these events? It is interesting to note that only about one third of all the Jews left Egypt. This suggests that not all the Jews were following God at that time. There were some who became comfortable to identify themselves with Egypt. In the second instance we see that a mixed multitude went with them. This implies that some of the Egyptians left Egypt. They realized the power of the one true God and decided to leave. Both groups saw the power of God, but only some decided to act on it....