Leah's Blog - Parashat Bo 2026

Leah’s Blog – Parashat Bo 2026

Parashat Bo – Leah’s BLOG- January 2026 –

Like the image on a heart monitor – it goes up – it goes down – the sign of life. So, I’m lugging ten pounds of potatoes down the stairs and thinking – wow – our load is quite heavy in our commitments. I have obligations. Everything has grown so, our tents have widened so, become bigger and more substantial. I hope my back doesn’t go out on me! All of this abundance that pours through my hands – I’m conscious of it, not just physically. It’s only going up – rising now. My mind takes me back to the beginning to meager times- when we had only a dirt road to get in and out of Itamar – when a truck with goods came once a week and u were able to do your small shopping in it. We were so grateful for that! We were so grateful for what there was and there was not for want. My mindset now is on how the road is paved and lined with Israeli flags. Now that road is being doubled in size. Once we were ducks for slaughter on that road. The theme of endurance led us to this fantastic time. We had been thrown in the pit – now we shine. Up and down the story line goes. Parashat Bo reminds me of all the national emotional worldly weights we carried through our time here in the heartland. The hardships of terrorism that hit our community led to powerful displays of love and devotion by the people – and you friends- that powerfully gave love and dedication that gave us and me personally the endurance and resilience to plow forward. In Bo Am Yisrael is just about to embark on an arduous journey back home to the Promised Land. Finally set free of the shackles, the devastating plagues are now decimating our oppressors. (Have you seen what Gaza looks like today?) Plagues upon it – for the pain cruelty injustice and subjugation Israel suffered at its hands. Egypt shuddered in Bo. There will be measure for measure! For those that made it out and heard the calling, saw the charge, spoke – finally spoke – the inner strength revealed now. The burden is of a new kind – devotion to G-d. Just beneath the surface of pain and misery lies redemption. We can witness this right now. Which burden do you choose? What is your mission!