From his bed

Netanyahu trip highlights India’s tiny Jewish community

"Vayakam Paroh Laila," at midnight of Yetzias Mitzrayim. Paroh got up to the screams across the entire nation (Bo 12:30). Rashi on these words says one word, "MiMitaso; fom his bed." What big Chiddush is Rashi telling us here?

The Kotzker Rebbe says (Emes MiKotzk Titzmach 576) that the Maskilim of his day were not really apikursim. In a time of need you find them hiding somewhere with a Tehilim in their hand. They are big talkers, but they really believe, although they don't admit it.

If you want to see a real Apikores, look at Paroh. Hashem wreaked havoc and destruction on Mitzrayim through nine incredible Makos. Moshe warned Paroh of each one and every word came true. Now Moshe told Paroh that the Bechorim will die at midnight.

A normal person would not go to sleep. Certainly, not the King, especially since he himself was a Bechor. He would nervously wait up until midnight to see what happens. Not Paroh. He got into his pajamas and went to sleep as if it was an ordinary night. Says the Kotzker Rebbe, "He was an authentic blue blooded apikores.".

It cost him dearly, as over 3000 years later all the kids still sing about Paroh in his pajamas in middle of the night!
http://www.revach.net/parshas-hashavua/rashi/Parshas-Bo-Kotzker-Rebbe-The-Unbelievable-Chutzpah-Of-A-Pajama-Clad-Apikores/4317


"תלמידי הישיבות ישתתפו בהלוויית הרב יהושע מאמאן זצ"ל"