Breaking Free: Finding Personal Freedom in the Portion of Bo

Hey, it’s Debbie Jian! Let’s take a moment to talk about the Torah portion of Bo—and no, this isn’t just another ancient story to gloss over. This portion is packed with wisdom that’s just as relevant today as it was back in Egypt. It’s about transformation, freedom, and stepping into the unknown with faith. Sound familiar? Let’s dive in.

“Come to Pharaoh” – The Call to Face Your Fears

Right off the bat, the portion starts with G-d telling Moses, “Bo el Pharaoh”—“Come to Pharaoh” (Exodus 10:1). Now, let’s pause. Why doesn’t it say “Go to Pharaoh”? What’s the difference?

Here’s the deal: G-d isn’t sending Moses out there alone. He’s saying, “Come with Me.” Pharaoh, in the mystical sense, isn’t just some bad guy from a history book. He’s the ultimate symbol of spiritual darkness—ego, fear, and everything that enslaves us.

So, what’s G-d really saying? He’s inviting Moses (and us!) to step into the darkest parts of life, to face our personal “Pharaohs.” And here’s the good news: we’re not doing it solo. G-d is with us every step of the way. This isn’t just a story about Moses—it’s about us. What’s your Pharaoh? Fear of failure? Overthinking? Self-doubt? Whatever it is, this is your call to confront it head-on.

The Final Plagues – Breaking Through the Chaos

In Bo, we read about the final three plagues: locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn. They’re dramatic, sure, but they’re also deeply symbolic.

• Locusts (Arbeh): Ever feel like you’re being overwhelmed by chaos? Like everything you’ve worked for is being eaten alive by distractions, stress, or unrealistic expectations? That’s the locust energy. It’s about the stuff that consumes us—until we take control.

• Darkness (Choshech): Not your average “lights out.” This is the kind of darkness that paralyzes you, the kind where you can’t see the next step. It’s scary, but it’s also an opportunity to trust. Even in the darkest moments, there’s light. You just have to search for it.

• Death of the Firstborn (Makat Bechorot): This one’s big. The firstborn represents the ego—the part of us that says, “It’s all about me.” Breaking free from that mindset is hard, but it’s the only way to truly grow.

Each of these plagues is like a step in our personal transformation. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.

Passover and the Power of Boundaries

The first Passover happens here in Bo. The Israelites are told to take a lamb, mark their doorposts with its blood, and stay inside. Spiritually, this is about setting boundaries.

Think about it: the lamb was sacred to the Egyptians. Taking it was a bold act of defiance, a way of saying, “We’re not defined by what others think.” That’s step one in breaking free—deciding who you are, no matter what the world says.

Marking the doorposts? That’s about creating sacred space. It’s saying, “This is my safe zone. This is where I connect to what matters.” Today, it might mean setting boundaries with your time, your energy, or even your phone. Where do you need to draw the line to protect your own “holy space”?

The Exodus – Your Personal Journey to Freedom

Let’s talk about the big moment: the Exodus itself. The Israelites leave Egypt—literally walking out of slavery into freedom. But in Kabbalah, Egypt (Mitzrayim) isn’t just a place. It comes from the word meitzarim, meaning “narrow straits.” Egypt is the place where you feel stuck, constricted, and unable to move forward. Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: We all have our own Egypts. Maybe it’s that job you can’t stand, a toxic relationship, or even just a negative mindset. The Exodus teaches us that no matter how trapped you feel, freedom is possible. But first, you have to take that leap of faith.

Tefillin – Binding Mind and Heart

In Bo, G-d gives the commandment of tefillin—wrapping leather straps around your head and arm. Now, if you’re thinking, “What does this ancient ritual have to do with me?”—hear me out.

Tefillin are about alignment. The head represents your thoughts, and the arm, placed near the heart, represents your emotions. Binding them together is a daily reminder: keep your head and heart in sync. Stay grounded. Stay focused.

Even if you don’t wrap tefillin, the idea is universal. Are your thoughts and actions aligned with your values? Are you putting your heart into what you do?

Your Blueprint for Freedom

The portion of Bo is all about transformation. It’s about stepping into the unknown, confronting your fears, and discovering that you’re never alone. Here’s what it’s asking you to think about this week:

1. What’s your Pharaoh? What’s holding you back? Name it. That’s the first step.

2. What chaos needs to go? Whether it’s distractions, bad habits, or limiting beliefs, it’s time to clear the locusts from your life.

3. What boundaries do you need? Protect your energy, your time, your space. Make room for what really matters.

4. What’s your next leap? The Red Sea didn’t part until the Israelites stepped into it. What step can you take toward freedom, even if it’s scary?

Final Thought: You Were Born to Be Free

This portion isn’t just about leaving Egypt—it’s about leaving behind anything that keeps you small. G-d’s message to Moses is His message to all of us: “Come with Me.” You’re never alone in the journey, and you’re capable of so much more than you think.

So, this week, take a deep breath, face your Pharaoh, and step into your freedom. Your personal Exodus starts now.

With love and light,

Debbie