Parashat Bo
Rabbi’s Drosh
In this week’s Parasha we read that Hashem says to Moshe (Moses) “Come to Pharaoh“. From this instruction we get the name of the Parasha: “Bo“ or “Come“. Yet would it not have made more sense for Hashem’s instruction to Moshe to be “Go to Pharaoh“ instead of “Come to Pharaoh“?
There is a significant difference in the message that is sent by these two respective instructions.
Go is a word of solitude. My mother-in-law’s first book is called “Of course I love you…Now GO TO YOUR ROOM!“. A child must go to time out alone. In the holiday favourite Monopoly you “Go directly to Jail” alone. I think we can all agree the phrase “Go away!“ is not particularly inclusive or welcoming! To “GO” implies going alone.
“Come to Pharaoh“ on the other hand means something quite different.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk offers a beautiful explanation as to why this strange turn of phrase appears in our Parasha. Moshe is told to come because he is not going alone, in fact he is never alone. Hashem is with him. The phrase means, “Come WITH ME to Pharaoh. There is no need to be afraid. I am with you“.
Whenever we are sent on a difficult mission in life we must remember that we come to the mission, we do not go alone.
This shabbat we mark Judi Lubetzky’s birthday at Shul. You are all invited to come (not go!) to Shul to celebrate with Judi and Boris and all the family as they mark this special milestone. Mazel Tov Judi!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Friedler
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Learning to Lay T’Fillin
Our Sunday’s minyanim are an opportunity for learning how to lay T’fillin. This Sunday Varghese from our conversion programme put on his T’fillin for the first time. You can also learn about how to do this special mitzvah (along with putting on your Tallit with blessing) through the Rabbi’s video guide below.
Back on Road with Kosher Kiwi
This week included two of our North Island clients. It was a real pleasure to have Manny join me on inspections and we thank him for his support of Kosher Kiwi. Our clients at Otakiri have been hit hard by the effects of COVID19 but still had smiles on their faces and hechshers on their bottles!
Mazel Tov to the Mackies
Grant and Shimone welcomed their baby daughter to the world on Shabbat this week.
Big sister Zehira was excited to get some practice with baby Achiya when we visited earlier in the week. She and her brother Mikhael could not wait for her little sister to arrive and have been helping look after baby and Mum.
Mazel Tov to Grant, Shimone, Mikhael and Zehira. We look forward to welcoming you all back to Shul soon and getting to know the newest member of the family.
Celebrating 96 with Arnold!
How wonderful to celebrate Arnold’s 96th birthday this week. The Rabbi insists that secret to Arnold’s longevity and energy is regular Shul attendance! Those who came to Shul on Saturday would have had no doubt when they heard his fantastic Haftorah reading. Mazel Tov Arnold, Sylvia and all the family.
Farewelling Loved Ones who are Overseas
It has been a difficult time for members who have lost parents living overseas recently. Mourning a loved one is especially challenging in these tough times and we want to thank the Chevra Kaddisha for working with us to ensure we can hold minyanim for families who are grieving.
We held minyanim for Leigh Saul and Rob Berg in honour of their late fathers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may the memories of your fathers be a blessing to all.
If you, or someone you know, loses a loved one overseas, please contact the Rabbi to organise a special minyan.
Our Summer Supporters!
We had several additional minyanim during the summer break, in addition to our regular weekly minyanim. A huge thank you to those who were in Auckland and supported us through this quiet period. With many members still away we ask that those who are in Auckland come join our small (but mighty!) minyan.