Bo (1): Hashem is Here Too

בא אל פרעה

Come to Paroh.

The Sefarim HaKedoshim have all pointed out that seemingly it would make more sense for the Pasuk to state, "לך אל פרעה" - go to Paroh, instead of "בא". We will try to focus on the explanation of the Toldos Yaakov Yosef of Palonya while synthesizing themes from other Tzadikim as well.

The Ba'al Shem Tov revealed a fundamental concept that contains endless applications: "תענוג תמידי אינו תענוג" - A constant pleasure isn't considered pleasurable. This is why the Navi is shown that the angels constantly rush towards and then subsequently withdraw from Hashem's Throne of Glory.  Being forced to eat for hours on end is uncomfortable, even torturous - even is the food comes from a five-star chef. Just as one take pleasure in a delectable meal, so too is there a certain pleasure in feeling satisfied and finishing the experience.  Our souls are dynamic in their essence and thus we have Aliyos and Yeridos - ups and downs - in our Avodas Hashem. This is called רצוא ושוב - running and retreating. It is a fundamental topic in Chassidus.

The Ohel of the 'Toldos' as well as
the 'Mochiach'

There is a deeper facet of this concept as well. Taking off-time from an experience makes the follow-up that much more exciting. For example, the excitement of seeing a relative who lives in another country trumps the excitement of coming home to a sibling that you see every day.

The same applies to our journey in Ruchniyus: We have downs in our spirituality. It's just as natural as inhaling.  It's not something we can avoid. In fact, the opposite is true; down-time is something to fully embrace. Often, when denying we are in a burn-out it only prolongs the process. When we accept the situation, "Right now I'm really out of it", it affords us the opportunity to build up our desire to truly achieve when we do get our Kochos back.

Hashem is not only with us in our Aliyos. He accompanies us on all of our travails; Yeridos included. They too are an integral part of Ruchniyus. תענוג תמידי אינו תענוג.

Moshe's approaching Paroh embodies the ultimate Yeridah. Interacting with ultimate impurity. This dynamic is amplified by the fact that Moshe exists on a tremendously sublime plane of reality. The drop from his natural state of being to debating Paroh is painful. And it was this idea Hashem was teaching us when He said "come to Paroh". You tell a person to come somewhere when you yourself are already in that place. Not 'go here' but 'come here. Hashem was encouraging Moshe to embrace the Yeridah. Hashem was saying, "Come. I am here too."

And all of this for what? 'למען שיתתי אותתי בקרבו' - 'So I may do wonders in his midst.' Internalizing the reality of Ratzo V'Shov enables us to reach tremendous heights afterwards.