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Parshat VaeraPublished: 21/Jan/09 |
Parshat Vaera
When and Why Did Hashem Speak?
Rabbi Yosef Carmel, Eretz Hemdah
In the beginning of our parasha, after Moshe and Aharon performed miracles before Paroh, the Torah explains why Paroh was not convinced to let Bnei Yisrael go. "Paroh’s heart was hard, and he did not listen to them, as Hashem had spoken" (Shemot 7:13). We find similar language after the plague of blood. Again, his heart was hard as Hashem had said. In fact, the idea that Hashem had spoken that the phenomenon would occur comes up no less than six times. Rashi (on Shemot 8:11) asks: "Where did Hashem speak so?" It will be very instructive to look at the pasuk that Rashi brings as an answer in its context. We will paraphrase that section of the Torah (Shemot 7: 1-7).
Pasuk 1- Hashem told Moshe that he and Aharon would be leader and spokesman, respectively, in the attempt to sway Paroh. Pasuk 2- Moshe and Aharon should speak to Paroh so that he should let Bnei Yisrael leave his land. Pasuk 3- Hashem would harden Paroh’s heart and do many miracles throughout then land. Pasuk 4- Paroh would not listen, and Hashem’s Hand performing great plagues would free Bnei Yisrael. (This is the pasuk that Rashi cited). Pasuk 5- Egypt would recognize Hashem’s Hand, which brought about the Exodus. Pasuk 6- Moshe and Aharon did as Hashem commanded. Pasuk 7- Moshe and Aharon were 80 and 83, respectively, when they spoke to Paroh.
Careful reading of these p'sukim (see our long article on the matter in Hemdat Ha’aretz, vol. 2) uncovers that there were two possible approaches to achieving the liberation from Egypt. The first one, hinted at in p’sukim 1-2, & 7 was to bring about the liberation just by means of their prophetic speech. Using this approach, there would have been no need for Paroh’s heart to be hardened to accept more plagues and miracles. Rather, Bnei Yisrael’s high level of belief would have had such impact on Paroh that he would have let them go based on words alone, obviating the need for miracles.
The second approach is described in p’sukim 3-6. Using this approach, it was the miracles and plagues that impacted Paroh and ultimately caused him to agree to the Exodus. On one hand, this approach did not require Bnei Yisrael to reach great heights in belief. On the other hand, the process of obtaining Paroh’s acquiescence had to be a more drawn out and complicated one.
Moshe chose the second approach as the one he felt was most appropriate for Bnei Yisrael. Therefore, as the series of miracles and plagues ran its course, Hashem reminded Moshe that He had told him that all of this was necessary only because Moshe was afraid to try to liberate the nation with speech alone.
Let us pray that we, who have seen so many miracles in our era, will merit witnessing the return to hearing Heavenly speech once again.
News & Events
SIGN UP NOW - Halacha Yomit program
Our latest program – World Mizrachi's Halacha Yomit program. Join us in this worldwide learning initiative. To sign up, visit www.mizrachi.org/kitzur
World Mizrachi Heritage Tour #8 – India
We have the last 2 places available! If you are interested please email daniel@worldmizrachi.org NOW!!
Mumbai – Rajastan – Agra – Delhi; 9-19 February 2009. To see the program, visit our website - www.mizrachi.org .
RZLA Yom HaAtzmaut Shabbaton
In honor of the 61st celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut, the RZLA are hosting a Shabbaton featuring outstanding Religious Zionist rabbinic leaders from Israel (Rabbis Aaron Adler, Motti Elon, Seth Farber, Benny Lau and Shlomo Riskin). The Shabbaton, to be held on April 24-25 2009, promises to be a wonderful event. For more information, contact Steve Berger on 310-274-6657.
Personals
Please advise us of all good news and sad news that you care to share with others, else we cannot post it – email mizrachi@worldmizrachi.org .
Hazkara– The Hazkara to commemorate the memory of our beloved friend, mentor and leader of our movement Arieh Halpern z"l will take place at Har Hamenuchot on Sunday 25 January at 9.30am.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet– World Mizrachi sends sincere condolences to the family of Ben Levert z"l, a staunch leader of the Mizrachi movement from South Africa.
Refuah Sheleimah– World Mizrachi wishes a Refuah Sheleimah to those Chayalim injured while fighting Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
Refuah Sheleimah– World Mizrachi wishes a Refuah Sheleimah to Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu Shlita, Mordechai Tzemach Ben Mazal Tov (Former Chief Rabbi of Israel.)
Israelat 60 Greeting Cards
World Mizrachi are proud to offer 6 blank greeting cards on the occasion of Israel at 60 to send to others to increase the awareness of this monumental occasion. To order sets email mizrachi@worldmizrachi.org
Sefer Torah Dedication
World Mizrachi is writing a Sefer Torah to honor its long-time World Chairman Mr. Kurt Rothschild, who has dedicated his life to Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael & Torat Yisrael. We invite you to join us in this endeavor. Full details available at: www.mizrachi.org
Book of the Month
From the Book of the Month club – proudly brought to you by World Mizrachi & Urim Publications:
For the Love of Israel and the Jewish People: Essays and Studies on Israel, Jews and Judaism: http://www.urimpublications.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=UP&Product_Code=LoveOfIsrael&Category_Code=aaa
Covenantal Imperatives: Essays by Walter S Wurzburger on Jewish Law, Thought and Community:
