Marriage and the Parsha

Bo
(Exodus 10:1-13:16)
Rabbi Yirmiyahu BenyowitzThis week’s portion begins with Hashem issuing a warning to Pharaoh, through His messenger Moshe (Moses). The message is that He is about to bring the eighth of the ten Plagues upon his nation. Before elaborating on the detail of the forthcoming event, though, the Torah takes a tangent and gives us an introduction as to the reason and the meaning behind the Plagues. We are told (10:1) that Pharaoh's heart has been hardened "in order for Me to bring these Plagues upon him." Furthermore, the Torah continues (10:2), "I have enabled these plagues to be brought upon Pharaoh in order for you to tell your children and grandchildren how I ‘played’ with Mitzraim (Egypt) and that you can tell about My wonders that I have [afflicted] them with."

What is the significance of telling your children? It appears that without whom to tell the story of Hashem's glory Mitzraim's punishment would not have come about in such a way.

How are we to understand the significance of telling the Pesach story to our children?

The answer lies in the Mitzvah of Sipur Itzias Mitzraim (the commandment to recount the story of the Exodus). We are told in the Hagadah that there are four sons, the wise son, the wicked son, the simple son and the son who cannot ask. Each son had a different question, except the last, of course. We are instructed to teach each son a different lesson. The wicked son is not interested in the Mitzvot; he sees no use in the continuity of the tradition and therefore asks "What are all of these testimonies and laws to you?" The Hagadah tells us that had he been present in Mitzraim, he would not have merited redemption.

The transmittal of the story of the Exodus is an essential part in why we merited redemption. When we tell the story to our children, we create another link in a chain that stretches back to our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and we create another link to the Al-mighty Himself.

Every link magnifies the Glory of Hashem and carries with it the responsibility of continuity.

Our charge to our Choson and Kallah is to understand the potential they share as they begin this lifelong commitment together. They can add another link to this glorious chain. Thus, they must stand ready to pass on our tradition to the next generation. It our bracha to every Choson and Kallah that they rise to the challenge.

Copyright 2001 Rabbi Yirmiyahu Benyowitz and MyJewishWedding.com