World Mizrachi Movement - World Mizrachi Weekly Parsha -

The forth and final verse of the section known as "Arami Oved Avi" describes various aspects of the Divine redemption: "G-d liberated us from Egypt with a strong hand and an outstretched arm…" These blatantly physical descriptions of hands and arms are incompatible with a non-physical G-d. As such the Haggadah interprets these as references to various "components" of the redemptive process. The Haggadah decodes the term "outstretched arm" or “zeroah netuyah” by citing a verse in Divrei Hayamim in which Dovid views an angel with an extended arm clasping a sword facing Yerushalayim. He recognizes this ominous threat to the welfare of Yerushalayim and begins a tefila to avert the disaster. Based upon this verse and the sword clutched by the outstretched arm of the angel, the term "outstretched arm" of “Arami oved avi” must similarly refer to a sword. Unfortunately, the Haggadah does not specify which sword this verse refers to and we have little record of a sword playing any role in the liberation from Egypt.

An interesting Midrash Tanchumah (Bo section 4) may help decipher the sword in question. There are numerous strategies for classifying the series of plagues. The most popular system is based upon Rebbi Yehuda's division of the 10 plagues into three groups of three with the final plague being appended to the final group (dezach adash b'achav). The Midrash Tanchuma suggests that the plagues were organized as series of incremental “assaults” modeled after ancient warfare. When siege is laid to a city an elaborate series of measures are carefully calibrated to allow successful capture. First the water source is sealed and afterward deafening sounds are blared to terrify the inhabitants. Subsequently, arrows are shot followed by invading mercenaries who cannot conquer the city but can sow panic and demoralize the residents. As the war effort mounts, fiery boulders are launched into the city followed by a full-blown invasion. The 10 plagues in Egypt mirrored this "combat model". Initially, water was converted into blood and subsequently croaking frogs shattered the Egyptian sanity through its shrill blare. Afterwards arrows were shot (skin-piercing kinim) followed by invading ferocious animals similar to attacking henchmen. Finally, fiery boulders were catapulted (barad) preceding the invasion of innumerable armies. This Midrash suggests that military combat served as a template for designing the sequencing of the 10 plagues.

The Exodus not only emancipated Jewish slaves from their Egyptian tyrants but also introduced OUR nation to its G-d. In addition to discovering G-d as Father and Creator it was imperative that the newly liberated people acknowledge Him as Warrior. This fledging nation would be expected to defeat the formidable armies of Canaan – within months of the Exodus. Of course, this plan was ultimately derailed by the Egel and Meraglim debacles but, at this stage, vicious wars would be waged - within months! It was crucial that the people view G-d as a warrior so they might be confident entering pending battles. Ultimately, this vision is solidified by the war waged at Yam Suf when the nation proclaims "Hashem ish milchamah Hashem shmo". Witnessing the chariots of Pharo being tossed among the ocean waves convinced the people of Hashem's military prowess and inbued them with confidence that they could wage successful war against all mathematical odds. G-d would fight on their behalf!! The plagues in Egypt – modeled after combat strategy - presented Hashem to his people as a Warrior.

For centuries this image of G-d was almost irrelevant as Jews were dispossessed of land and army and as we wandered from continent to continent through the sands of history. Having returned to our land and to our history we are forced to once again take up arms and defend our homeland - once again against all odds. We have witnessed successive military triumph which can only be attributed to Divine intervention. We daven that Hakadosh Baruch Hu continue to wage war on our behalf; we further pray that our efforts, coupled with Hakadosh Baruch Hu's providence will yield a world which acknowledges His sovereignty, embraces the role of His chosen people and stills the sounds of war for all eternity.

News & Events

Kimcha D'Pischa

World Mizrachi runs a yearly Kimcha D'Pischa charity fund for poor families. This year, through the initiative, World Mizrachi is assisting over 300 families with their financial needs over Pesach. In addition, we are supporting 2 groups of lone IDF soldiers, who don’t have any family in Israel, through a joint venture with Panim el Panim.

Special offer for Pesach - Haggadah

World Mizrachi presents a special offer for Pesach – Haggadah with commentary by Rav Motti Elon for just 20 shekel (plus p&p)! World-renowned scholar and educator, Rabbi Motti Elon, brings the Haggadah to life in this new commentary (in Hebrew). Includes the full Haggadah text. To place your order, email mizrachi@worldmizrachi.org today!

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 and view previous sessions, visit www.mizrachi.org/kitzur

World Mizrachi Heritage Tour #8 – India – photos online

Photos from the World Mizrachi Jewish Heritage Tour to India are on 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 .

Mazaltov– World Mizrachi wishes a hearty Mazaltov to Chairman Kurt Rothschild and his wife Edith on the occasion of the birth of a great-granddaughter – their 32^nd great-grandchild!

Baruch Dayan HaEmet– World Mizrachi mourns the loss of Frank Stein z"l, former head of the British Olim Society and Australian Zionist Federation in Israel.

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

NEW from the Book of the Month club – proudly brought to you by World Mizrachi & Urim Publications:

Nechama Leibowitz: Teacher and Bible Scholar

Exodus and Emancipation: Biblical and African-American Slavery

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