Bo Videos

There’s nothing funny about somebody stepping on a rake. So try not to laugh during this week’s exciting webisode.

Is there an ideal velocity for kicking a bad habit? When the Israelites left Egypt, they did so "in a rush" (behipazon). While the soul could take its own good time in detaching itself from an addictive situation, the body is not so patient.

As we prepare to take our first steps as a free nation on a journey that would stretch millennia, G-d teaches us the secret of our essence.

In our Torah portion this week, G‑d gives the Jewish people, this new nation that is set to embark on a journey to the Promised Land, their first mitzvah. What do you think that mitzvah would be?

Topics include: Pharaoh as the embodiment of the “irrational attraction to physical pleasure,” the Ten Plagues as a manifestation of the power of the ten sefirot, why the Torah does not begin with the first mitzvah, and why “narrow­mindedness” is the root of all evil.

Torah law does not accept the testimony of witnesses who are related to each other. However, with respect to the witnesses required to establish the day a new month begins – via a sighting of the 'new moon' – Rabbi Shimon is of the opinion that the testimony of relatives is admissible; in contrast to the view of the Sages (Talmud, Rosh Hashana 22b). This class will explain both positions on the matter, and the relevance to our lives. (Likutei Sichos vol. 21)

The night before they left Egypt, the Children of Israel were commanded to eat matzah and bitter herbs together with the Paschal lamb "waist-belted, shoes on your feet and staff in your hand". Thus class will explore the spiritual dimension of this dress-code and its guidance for our personal exodus. (Based on the maamor V'kocho 5737)

The plague of darkness did not affect the Jewish people, as the Torah says (Exodus 10:23), "For Israel, there was light in all the places they were." Rashi differ from the Midrash as to whether this light was one of the miracles of the plague. This class explores the nature of this miracle and it’s illuminating message for our lives. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 31)

In this week’s Torah portion, the Jews leave Egypt and receive the commandment to keep the Passover. What practical preparations are needed to be ready for Pesach?

We’re all familiar with the four sons at the Seder, which are enumerated in the Passover Haggadah. Interestingly, there seems to be special attention given to the wicked or rebellious son, which begs the question why?

The Torah truism that G-d’s Mitzvot were designed to refine our character, and make us better people would lead us to assume that this strategy to living life appropriately would certainly be reflected in the first Mitzvah. Yet, in identifying that very commandment, this axiom seems to ring hollow. A scriptural detail leads us to an enigmatic teaching in the Zohar, whose elucidation - drawn from profound Kabbalistic insight into human consciousness - ultimately most vividly demonstrates how the first Mitzvah does indeed provide the foundational recipe to correct character building and the maximization of our personal potential!

In chapter twelve of Exodus, G‑d gives the Jewish people their first mitzvah: “sanctifying the month”—to establish the calendar based on the lunar cycle (the rebirth of the moon). Why is this the first mitzvah?

Three times in the Torah the word "ha-shvi-i" (the seventh) is missing a letter yud. (The first time is in this week's portion in Exodus 12:15.) When spelled this way, the word may also be read as "shavua" (oath) or "soveia" (satiated.) What is the connection between seven, swearing, and satiation, and how do they describe the process of the soul's descent into a body?

The first mitzvah given to the Jewish people before they even left Egypt was to sanctify the new moon and keep a calendar. A careful study of the verse (Exodus 12:2) "This month shall be for you the beginning of months."

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

The parsha of Bo contains 105 verses and the mnemonic for is word ‘yimneh’ (son of Asher). Explore the coded message in the mnemonic and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

Learn the many layers of meaning to the Torah’s instruction to guard and watch the Passover matzahs.

The plague of darkness was incredibly dense and intense for the Egyptians, while the Israelite nation enjoyed a miraculously bright and lit-up environment. This class will shed light and reveal obscure facets of this remarkable plague, and the layers of purpose it served in preparation for the Exodus.

In the Biblical narrative of the 10th plague; the silence of the dogs seems deafening. Why does the Torah lavish so much attention to muzzled barking at a time of widespread death and devastation? During the course of this investigation, we reveal the unique Torah take on the close connection that people have had with dogs since the dawn of human history. Canine lovers will appreciate this fascinating class’s bark and bite, although the conclusion doesn't necessarily endorse the person-pet relationship paradigm.

A profound presentation on the verses that segue into the very first Mitzvah we receive as a nation—the Sanctification of the Moon. Learning about our unique Jewish calendar, which incorporates a synergy balancing both the seasonal or solar calendar with the lunar or monthly method of keeping time, leads us to an understanding of why we label the months in a particular way. Yet, we seem to have abandoned this, opting instead for foreign nomenclature. Why?! Fascinating facts, incredible insights and sacred sparks are set into orbit to provide an inspiring explanation.

The catalyst for any awakening is action. Transformation begins as soon as we are ready to take the first step in the right direction.

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

We’re all drawn to light. Physical light – daylight, candle light, sunshine – and to those people who seem to give off a luminescence. Do we need to be around certain people or environments to create light for us? Learn how to shine your own light and never let it dim.

G-d's command to Moses, "Come to Pharaoh," as a message to each one of us and its connection to the day of 10 Shevat. Presenter: Rabbi Wichnin

Slaughtering the lamb in Egypt teaches us that there are no logical solutions to counter the darkest forces. G-d acts above reason when we do.

The first mitzvah given to the Jewish nation was to “sanctify time” by establishing a calendar. How do we make time holy?

In temple times, each Jew would participate in a Passover offering. We examine two details of the Paschal sacrifice: its bones were not to be broken and it was to be eaten roasted. What is the deeper meaning behind this and how is it relevant today?

Understanding the deeper meaning and symbolism behind the mitzvah to eat matzah on Passover night.

A profound and penetrating exploration of the terrifying hordes of grasshoppers that swarmed ancient Egypt, stripping it bare of all greenery; fully destroying its agriculturally based economy. See why the Torah states that this will be the plague that we will speak of to our children in the future, and how it uniquely made a mockery of the Pharaoh— more than any of the other plagues. These winged invaders densely darkened the skies, as they settled scores and old border disputes too. Be amazed to discover that the participating locusts were blind, kept Shabbat, and are actually referred to as G-d's troops.

A closer look at the plague of the death of the firstborn on five different levels understanding.

Learn the finer points on why chassidim wouldn’t sell the vodka they received from their Rebbe, and an important lesson in educating kids with customs. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 16 Bo - Yud Shevat)

Learning Likutei Sichos vol.11 parshas Bo (p.42) for an analysis on the conclusion of tractate Pesachim and specifically about redeeming the first-born son.

G-d is our father. We are His firstborn. An analysis of the parameters of Pidyon Haben (redeeming the firstborn son), offers a powerful insight into how Hashem will redeem us. This sicha is a Siyum on tractate Pesachim.

Did they eat the same matzah as us before leaving Egypt? Two types of matzah. Two ways to serve Hashem. Two stages of Exodus.

An in-depth analysis of the underlying principle behind those activities that are forbidden on Shabbos, but are permitted on Yom Tov like for example cooking. There is also a beautiful takeaway message on being joyous every day.

The Pesach sacrifice comprises two distinct mitzvahs (both bringing the offering and eating it), and this teaches us the key steps to meaningful spiritual growth.

An incredible insight into Rashi on why in Egypt they needed to take the Pascal lamb on the tenth of Nisan—three days prior to the Exodus. Learn how the Jews needed circumcision to get out of Egypt and a Pesach lamb to get Egypt out of them.

Why did Hashem need Pharaoh to know the plague of firstborns would be at midnight? Explore Rashi’s commentary on the verse.

When G-d invites Moses to confront the evil Pharaoh of Egypt, Moses is initially afraid. But facing our biggest fears, by feeling G-d at our side, frees us to actualize our greatest selves.

Chp. 10 verses 1 - 15: Introduction, Hashem tells Moshe to go to Pharaoh. He says that He has hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants so that He can show them His signs. Also, so that the children of Israel will know for all generations that He is the L-rd. Moshe and Aaron go to Pharaoh and warn him about the plague of locusts that would devour his land. His servants tell him to let the men go and serve Hashem.

Chp. 10 verses 16 - 29: Pharaoh immediately calls Moshe and Aaron and admits that he has sinned to G-d and to them. He asked them to pray to Hashem to remove the locusts which he calls death. Moshe goes out from Pharaoh and prays to Hashem, who then brings a strong west wind and removes all the locusts in an instant even those that were pickled in jars. Hashem hardens his heart and he does not send out the people. Hashem then tells Moshe to stretch out his hand and bring the plague of darkness.

Chp. 11 verses 1 - 9: Hashem informs Moshe that there would be one more plague that would be brought on the Egyptians. Hashem asks the Jews to borrow gold and silver from the Egyptians. Moshe tells Pharaoh that at midnight G-d will kill all firstborns in Egypt. From the firstborn of Pharaoh to the firstborn of the maidservant and all animals. But not one Jewish person or animal will die. Then your servants will come and bow down to me and ask that all the people leave. He leaves Pharaoh in a fit of anger. G-d tells him that Pharaoh will not listen to you so that My wonders will be multiplied in the land of Egypt.

Chp. 11 verses 9&10 Chp. 12 verses 1 - 8: Description of all plagues and events of exodus according to Maharal. Chp. 12, Hashem tells Moshe and Aaron the first communal commandment, establishing the new month. He then tells them to command the people to take on the tenth of the month a yearling sheep for a sacrifice. One sheep for each household. They should keep the sheep until the afternoon of the fourteenth when they would slaughter it. They would then take some of the blood and place it on the two doorposts and the lintel. They should eat the meat roasted together with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

Chp. 12 verses 9 -20: Continues with Hashem's command to Moshe that the Paschal offering could only be eaten roasted on a spit. That it had to be consumed that night and anything left over had to be burnt. It had to eaten in a state of haste. That Hashem would kill all first born of man and animals on that night. But the blood would be a sign on their houses to protect them. This would be a memorial for future generations. To celebrate seven days of Passover, with the first and seventh day being holy.

Chp. 12 verses 21 - 36: Moshe tells the elders to tell the people to take the sheep and slaughter it as a paschal offering. They were to take and bunch of hyssop and dip it into the blood and place it on the lintel and the doorposts. They were not allowed to leave their houses until morning. This would protect them from the destroyer. They were to observe Passover for ever. It goes on to tell us about the statement of the evil son. Moshe and Aaron and all the people do exactly as Hashem commanded. It continues with Hashem killing all firstborn in Egypt.

Chp. 12 verses 37 - 51: The B'nai Yisrael travel from Rameses to Succoth. They leave in haste with unleavened cakes and no other provisions. After 430 years on that special day the Jews left Egypt and it would be a night of watching for all generations. Hashem tells Moshe and Aaron the laws of the Paschal offering for future generations. The people did as Hashem commanded Moshe and Aaron. And it was on that very day that Hashem took out the children of Israel from Egypt with their hosts.

Chp. 13 verses 1 - 13: Opens with the first paragraph written in the Tefillin. Begins with the command to redeem all firstborn Jewish male children and kosher animals. Continues with the laws of Passover, and concludes with the command to wear Tefillin. Continues with the second paragraph written in the Tefillin. Reiterates the laws of redeeming animals and adds the redeeming of the firstborn donkey with a lamb, and also redeeming firstborn son. The sedra concludes with another mention of the command to wear Tefillin as a reminder that Hashem brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand.

Analysis of Rambam’s approach in the laws of Kiddush HaChodesh on the synthesis of the solar and lunar cycle, which points to the spiritual and scientific alignment of the Jewish calendar.

A story with the Rebbe Rashab as a young boy sheds light on why we don't sell chametz food-stuff received from the Rebbe.