| All for One and One for All When we left Egypt, Hashem told the Jewish people to borrow property from the Egyptians, but a careful reading of the verses reveals that He said to borrow from our fellow Jews. The Vilna Gaon explained that the Egyptians saw the incredible care that we had for each other, even in such a time of suffering, that the Jews still had the incredible spirit of "all for one and one for all". Once they saw that, they felt that if this nation feels like this in such a time, so too they should also care for them. Influence is from the inside out. We exude the light which impacts others. If we as Jews continue, as we have done over the last few months, to care so deeply for each other, putting others before ourselves – when the world sees this that will impact how others see human life as well. | | Mizrachi to play a major role in rebuilding the South This week, World Mizrachi's representative Gael Grunewald was appointed as the new Chairman of the World Zionist Organization's Chativa LeHityashvut – a significant body with a crucial role in the government's efforts to support and rebuild the communities of the south of Israel. Roi Abecassis will now take the helm at the WZO's Education Department, having done great work at the Department for Religious Services in the Diaspora ("The Ma'arach"). As a result, Rabbi Doron Perez has accepted the request to hold the position of Head of The Ma'arach, for the benefit of the movement. This is in addition to his role as Executive Chairman of World Mizrachi. Mizrachi now holds three positions corresponding to our three core values – Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and Torat Yisrael. | | Last week, Rabbi Perez addressed many groups of missions from around the world, including: Kemp Mill Synagogue Young Israel of Staten Island Yeshiva University Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership The Rabbinical Council of America - RCA (the RCA's sixth mission!) If you wish to plan a mission, please email missions@mizrachi.org. | | IDF Soldier and Florida Student Connect Aiden from Florida sent a letter to an IDF soldier, as part of Mizrachi's project to distribute letters to our soldiers. In his letter, he included his phone number so the soldier could text him back. Aiden was pleasantly surprised when he recently received a message back from Yedidya, the army soldier who received his letter, together with a photo of him holding the letter. To send a letter or a picture to our chayalim, email lettersforisrael@mizrachi.org | | Thinking of Making Aliyah? Join Israela for the ultimate Aliyah experience – a group Aliyah of families, united by a shared vision, making the move to Israel an unforgettable adventure! Create lifelong connections with like-minded families before you even step foot in Israel. Our unique approach brings families together for pre-Aliyah meet-ups, creating a tight-knit community that supports and uplifts each other through the entire Aliyah journey. Experience Aliyah as a collective adventure, ensuring a smoother transition as you settle into a vibrant Israeli community with friends you've already made. Join us for a webinar where you'll: • Hear success stories from families thriving in their new Israeli communities. • Gain insights from Aliyah experts for a seamless transition. • Discover exclusive programs, incentives, and perks for our group Aliyah experience. Sunday, January 21 | 10am EST (9am CST) REGISTER NOW https://forms.gle/U1nH3xeSRHpsicnbA | | | NEW RESCHEDULED DATES LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! | | BO Israel on the World Stage By Rabbanit Shani Taragin Parashat Bo begins with Hashem's message to Moshe concerning Pharaoh and the Egyptians, whereas the rest of the parasha focuses on instructions particular for Am Yisrael. Here we find a turning point in history. Until now the history of Am Yisrael has been presented together with that of the world at large. At the eve of their redemption, it is imperative that they see themselves as separate and distinct from the nation around them. The haftarah selected for this week (Yirmiyahu 46:13–28) is one of the first prophecies delivered by the prophet to other nations, and like the parasha, contains both universal and particular themes. The first part of Yirmiyahu's prophecy (v. 13–26) is universally addressed to Egypt and the entire world, while the concluding two pesukim contain a special message concerning the destiny of Am Yisrael: "...For I am with you, for I shall make an end of all the nations... but I will not make an end of you." This echoes the contrast Hashem made during the plagues of darkness and death of the firstborn – "in order that you shall know that G-d separates between Egypt and Israel" (Shemot 11:7). As opposed to the parasha which focuses on the distinction of Am Yisrael, the haftarah teaches that Hashem, as the G-d of the entire world, continues to deliver messages to all the nations throughout history. This time, on the eve of destruction and exile, Yirmiyahu the prophet must come and prepare the nation for their new reality of dispersion amidst the nations. The haftarah serves as contrasting parshanut for the parasha; yetziat Mitzrayim is being reversed as Am Yisrael return to a state of exile. Am Yisrael must be reminded that they have a role to play among the nations, i.e. the spreading of G-d's name. The haftarah therefore, focuses on the universal component as found in the beginning of Parashat Bo. Although the haftarah contains similar themes, the plagues described by Yirmiyahu that will befall Egypt come from the nation of the north and not directly from Hashem as described in the parasha. Nonetheless, the prophet warns that the warriors of Egypt will not be able to withstand their invaders "because G-d thrust him down" (15). Here we once again find parshanut on the parasha: When Pharaoh declared "I do not know G-d's name," Hashem sent direct and overt plagues so that the nations would universally recognize G-d's "outstretched arm" and His guidance of the world. Yirmiyahu's prophecy indicates that by his time, G-d's name is already known and His hand may be detected even through natural phenomena and human actions. The concluding pesukim of the haftarah emphasize that even amidst the prophecies concerning the nations and the universalistic trend which they represent, the uniqueness of Am Yisrael will be maintained. Anticipating the fears of the nation on the eve of exile, the prophet promises: "And you, My servant Ya'akov, do not be afraid, and do not fear, O Israel, for I will save you from afar and your seed from the land of their captivity. And Ya'akov shall return and shall be quiet and at ease, with none to make him afraid. And you, My servant Ya'akov, do not fear, says the L-rd, for I am with you, for I shall make an end of all the nations where I have driven you, but I will not make an end of you…" (v. 27–28) Rabbanit Shani Taragin is Educational Director of World Mizrachi and the Director of the Mizrachi-TVA Lapidot Educators' Program. She is a member of Mizrachi's Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers). | | 🔨 The Youth materials for Parshat Bo are now online! 📰 HaMizrachi Parsha Weekly Youth Edition, a Parsha sheet designed for youth 🗞️ Chavruta, a study sheet great for kids or parent-student sessions 🌐 Now Available in Spanish and Portuguese! 👉 To read/download, please visit: mizrachi.org/youth | | 🇮🇱 WANT TO BRING A SOLIDARITY MISSION TO ISRAEL? 🌍 World Mizrachi is the global leader in organizing over 60 delegations from 14 countries over the past two months! 📩 For more information, contact our missions department: missions@mizrachi.org | | The Parshat Bo edition of HaMizrachi Parsha Weekly is now available! | | | Schools for Schools! Mizrachi's Schools Department is launching an initiative to show solidarity and support Jews around the world to schools in Israel. In the spirit of achdut and true empathy that world Jewry has shown, you can make a meaningful contribution to their resilience. Letters/Videos of chizuk Ice cream/Pizza/Toys Remote learning supplies (headphones, tablets, laptops) To support the campaign go here jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/114919 | | 📖 "The Jewish State" Available to Purchase Following the book launch at Mizrachi's World Orthodox Israel Congress, "The Jewish State" by Rabbi Doron Perez is available to buy online for delivery to Israel, Australia, Canada, UK, and USA, as well as for collection at the Mizrachi offices in Israel and South Africa. For some of the approbations, see the flyer above. To purchase, click here: mizrachi.org/the-jewish-state-order-form | | | Tzurba Hilchot Shabbat Program has begun! Tzurba M'Rabanan is a groundbreaking learning program that makes the learning of Halacha clear, relevant and interesting. To date, the Lax Family Tzurba M'Rabanan English Series consists of 16 volumes, covering over one hundred and fifty topics in Halacha. For more information and to purchase volumes of Tzurba M'Rabanan, go to tzurbaolami.com | | Besorot Tovot and Shabbat Shalom! | | | | |
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