Today, thank G-d, there seems no reason to go into the “chambers of the Pharaoh” – or the seat of Power and plead our case.
This interesting change of events transforms the ” Jewish question” in a different light.”
“There is no France without Jews” is brand new. Whether it is true and heartfelt is not as relevant as that it was uttered in the same French Parliament that once watched the Dreyfus Affair go on and has seen its chambers support the cause of Israel’s enemies. Instead of the familiar “we will keep you,” we have heard ” you keep us!”
In last week’s Torah portion Moshe was told to change from pleading his case to leading his case. What made the difference?
COME AND GO
The Zohar asks why Moses is told ” BO” to Pharaoh and not the more common ” Lech” – Lech is closer to “go’ and ” BO” is closer to “come.”
The Zohar answers that Moses actually was afraid to confront the seat of power on his own turf. It was one thing to ask for an exit visa, and another to break protocol and demand directly to the seat of power! G-d answered him: Come (with me). I am with you and you will be successful.
Did not Moses know that G-d was with him until now?
Besides reassurance, Moses is being told that the seat of power had shifted. And he should feel confident about it! Jewish fate is not influenced by the whims of the strongest nation on earth. Rather, go deep inside the power source, and you be the influence!
Or: It’s time that the tapestry on the wall tells the story that history is very Jewish!
MOSHIACH POWER
The world today is in terrorist turmoil. Rogue armies without a country are reeking havoc in the streets of Europe and the Middle East. Small numbers are disrupting the strongest of nations. The seat of power seems to be in flux!
The ultimate change of power is Moshiach mindedness, the shift from the natural to the power beyond nature, when we tell Pharaoh what to do, right in his chambers! It is the natural transformation from worry about the future to the faith in the future. It is the shifting of learning from “the sciences ” to ” using the sciences.” It is the change from “tolerating the culture” to elevating the culture. It is the focal point moving from ” politics as usual” to asking “what are we here for?” It is when we stop asking “does France want its Jews” to ” do Jews want France?”!
Moshiach living is about changing your personal seat of power, when you reach inside to confront your own Pharaoh that says the power is with him and you cannot be anything else than what he makes of you. Living with Moshiach is finding your own Moses inside that hears the voice “come with me!” Let’s go to Pharaoh together! The Victory of Mordechai is on the wall!
This past Shabbat we were told to “go to Pharaoh.” And now we can enjoy the ride. Bon Voyage!