PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI GEMARA: THE TORAH PORTION, BO THROUGH THE LENS OF ’FIDDLER ON THE ROOF’ (Audio)

In the Torah portion Bo, the Israelites are preparing for their final liberation from Egypt, culminating in the dramatic events of the final three plagues and the institution of the Passover ritual. This moment of divine intervention, where God commands Moses to tell the people to mark their doorposts with lamb's blood, highlights themes of faith, obedience, and survival against oppressive forces. Through the lens of Fiddler on the Roof, this story resonates with Tevye’s struggle to maintain tradition in the face of changing times. Just as the Israelites had to trust in God’s instructions to protect them, Tevye and his family navigate a world where ancient customs are threatened by new forces, whether through political upheaval or the evolving beliefs of his daughters. The tension between holding onto tradition and adapting to survival mirrors the Israelites’ own experience in Egypt, where faith and perseverance led to their freedom, despite the overwhelming challenges they faced. In both narratives, the importance of identity, resilience, and faith in a higher power stands as a cornerstone of their survival and eventual triumph.