Parshat Bo
In this weeks parsha, HaShem prepares for the final plagues against Egypt that will pave the way for the redemption of Klal Yisrael. The parsha starts: "HaShem said to Moshe, Come to Pharaoh for I have made his heart and the heart of his assistants stubborn so that I shall place these signs of mine in his midst." Interestingly, this passuk is different from all other times that HaShem has hardened Pharaoh's heart. Instead of just Pharaohs heart, his assistant's hearts are hardened as well. The question is, why? Is it not enough to make Pharaoh's heart hard just as in past times? What difference does it make now if his assistants are as stubborn as he? Even if HaShem would only harden his heart and not that of his assistants, why would Pharaoh care what their opinion is? Is he not the ruler and they the subordinates?
Perhaps we can learn a tremendous insight into the character of Pharaoh, and our modern leaders in general. So far, Pharaoh has had the support of his inner circle, creating a bubble around him, making him impervious to any outside pressures; as long as he had the security of his "cabinet" and servants, he was able to stand steadfast against the plagues.
However, now the situation in Egypt reaches a fever pitch; Moshe has brought countless plagues, each at its appointed time without fail, and is now striking fear among Egypt. Anyone who looked honestly at the situation knew that Egypt was in serious trouble and would surely want to get the Jews out of the country. They would demand that Pharoah, their leader, finally give in. If Pharaoh were to lose his inner sanctum of support, he would thus be left alone and would surely bow to the insurmountable pressure against him. By himself, Pharaoh was not strong enough to stand against opposition, and he would have sent out the Jews at the request of his nation. Hashem did not yet want the Egyptians to agree to free Klal Yisrael – there were still great miracles that He wanted to display (as the passuk states "so that I shall place these signs of mine in his midst"). Therefore, in order to bring about the final plagues in an exultant climax, HaShem needed to harden not just the heart of Pharaoh, but also those of his servants and his advisors.
From here, we see how much Pharaoh was beholden to others' opinions. His "strength" was really just a façade, built upon the support of his subordinates. How incredible it is it that the king himself is at the mercy of others!
Later in the parsha we see how this plays out. The servants, seeing that all is lost, rebuke Pharaoh saying, "How long will this be a snare for us? Send out the men that they may serve HaShem, their G-d! Do you not yet know that Egypt is lost?" After this open criticism of Pharaoh, Moshe and Aharon are suddenly called back and are told that the nation may leave. What happened? According to what we have explained, we can say that when Pharaoh lost his last bit of support and his servants gave in, it was only inevitable that he would as well.
This lesson applies not only to Pharaoh, but also to our modern day politicians and leaders, who surround themselves with ego-soothing servants and assistants (whom we call in today's parlance "yes-men"). These leaders have never had their own opinions challenged by their close assistants, so they are able to remain obstinate in the face of any public disagreement to their ideas. Instead of doing what is best for the nation, they skew and twist the opposition to their policies in every direction in order to fit their own viewpoint.
This lesson beckons us to give thanks to G-d for giving us true and strong leaders who are guided by our Holy Torah and its imperatives. Chazal instituted the blessing of "Al Hatzaddikim" in Shemoneh Esrei for this reason – to instill in us an appreciation for our Sages who literally give every minute of their day for the service of the public. Because they themselves are acting as servants of Hashem, they can lead us with a commitment to truth, and not succumb to external pressures or internal biases.
May Hashem keep our righteous leaders healthy and safe, and may we merit the building of the Beit Hamikdash and the return of the Beit Din Hagadol speedily in our days, Amen.
Shabbat Shalom
Naftali Kassorla
