Bo: By the Light of the Silvery Moon — Covenant, Renewal and Questioning

Introduction

The very first mitzvah in the Torah directed to the Jewish people occurs just prior to the exodus from Egypt — establishing Nisan as the first month of the year. Parshat Bo establishes a connection between the Hebrew calendar and the notion of redemption. When we look even deeper we come to understand that the calendar is a sign of a necessary partnership between God and human beings. It speaks as well to the notion of constant growth and renewal, and of a religious stance where the deepest truths are elusive. Listen now to Rabbi Leon Morris on Parshat Bo.

Credits:
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator

Leon Morris

Rabbi Leon Morris is President of Pardes and the first Pardes alumnus to lead the institution, having studied in both the Year (‘94-’95) and Summer (‘93, ‘94) Programs. Ordained by Hebrew Union College in 1997, Leon previously served as rabbi of Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor, founding director of the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center in Manhattan, and Vice President for Israel Programs at the Shalom Hartman Institute.

Leon has taught at Orthodox, Conservative and Reform institutions and has worked extensively with the Jewish community of India since serving there as a Jewish Service Corps volunteer in 1990. A regular contributor to the Jewish, Israeli and American press, he is also an editor of the Reform High Holy Day machzor Mishkan HaNefesh.