This week tells the story of the actual Exodus from Egypt -- the last three of the Ten Plagues; the commandment to observe the Passover feast; and the actual act of leaving. It marks the birth of the Jewish people as a nation.
And yet despite the fact that the portion is about an exodus -- a "leaving" -- the title of the portion is called "Bo" in Hebrew, meaning "come." The name comes from the first passage: "The Lord said to Moses: 'Come to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, in order that I may place these signs of Mine in his midst.'" (Genesis 10:1)
Obviously, the context of "come" refers to "coming" to Pharaoh, and not "coming" out of Egypt -- but here, too, the usage is odd. Why not command Moses to "go" to Pharaoh? Why does God say "come," as if inviting Moses?
One answer is that God is the prime mover behind the whole narrative -- even controlling Pharaoh's own heart -- so that in ordering Moses to "come" to Pharaoh, he is also telling Moses to "come" to Him and continue the fulfillment of his plan for the Israelites.
Another answer is that sometimes, in leaving a bad situation, we are conscious of the cost of making that decision, but we should be more aware of what we gaining by walking away -- that we are "coming" into our own, into who we are.
It can be tough to walk away from a job or a relationship that isn't working out -- and many people stay in those situations because of the costs of leaving -- but when we leave, we may "come" to our destiny, returning rather than leaving.
https://www.chabad.org/parshah/torahreading.asp?aid=2492615&p=complete&jewish=Bo-Torah-Reading.htm
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
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