Coming to Pharaoh – Bo
The sidra gets its name from the word, Bo, which means “Come (to Pharaoh)” (Ex. 10:1). We would expect lech (go) instead of bo.
Some commentators think the Children of Israel had direct access to Pharaoh and could see him whenever they wished – idyllic but hard to believe.
The Baal Shem Tov says that God is telling Israel, “Instead of feeling alone and apprehensive, come to the king with Me – we will face him together and I will support you”.
The lesson we learn from this interpretation is that whenever a person or people has a difficult encounter ahead they should remember the last line of Adon Olam, “The Lord is with me – I shall not fear”.
