A Bar Mitzvah is when at the age of thirteen (for a girl, the Bat Mitzvah is at the age of 12) a boy, strictly speaking, turns into a man. One becomes obligated to do the Mitzvot; they are no longer optional. One is able to be counted in a minyan - quorom of 10 men required for prayer.
So I remember delivering my first public address - and to the letter - remember the impact it has had on my life.
R' Menachem Mendel of Kotzk, the founder of the Kotzker dynasty to which my family has remained connection even to this very day; asks a fundamental question.
This week's Torah portion is entitled "Bo" which means come. God tells Moses to "come to Pharaoh".
Asks the Rebbe of Kotzk; why does God instruct Moses to "come" to Pharaoh? Wouldn't "go" to Pharaoh render more appropriate?
Rather, in this world, there are many times when we feel alone. We feel we are on a journey into the abyss; a struggle against the invincible.
But God tells each and every one of us: "Come to Pharoah".
Pharaoh symbolises the wickedness that exists in the world.
But when we seek to go against the tide, we must know that we are not alone.
And who is better to have on your side than the Creator of the world?
Thus, Moses, and every Jew to this very day is reassured that when there is a battle to fight; one will never fight alone.
But when we seek to go against the tide, we must know that we are not alone.
And who is better to have on your side than the Creator of the world?
Thus, Moses, and every Jew to this very day is reassured that when there is a battle to fight; one will never fight alone.
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