Parshas Va-eira 5766

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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G-d sent Moshe and Aharon to Pharaoh to instruct him to free the Jews. The mission appeared to be a failure. Besides mocking G-d, Pharaoh made the Jewish people work even harder, accusing them of laziness. The people, too, were angry with Moshe for having made things worse for them. Moshe complained that he would not accomplish anything by returning to Pharaoh. G-d, however, encouraged Moshe that the people would be redeemed amidst great wonders and miracles.

Ten plagues were brought upon the Egyptians. These accomplished two goals. First, they served as a punishment for the Egyptians’ mistreatment of the nation. But they also served as a lesson for both the Egyptians and the Jews, that G-d was in total control over the world and over nature.

Moshe warned Pharaoh that if he would not let the people go, all the water throughout Egypt would be turned to blood. The Nile River was considered to be a god in Egypt, serving as the sole source for water in the region. By first afflicting the Egyptian god, it proved G-d’s superiority over their idols. This was also the significance of the fifth plague, pestilence, which killed the Egyptian cattle, another god of the Egyptians.

Following the first plague, G-d brought a plague of frogs throughout Egypt. The frogs inundated the whole country with their croaking and jumping. This was followed by a plague of lice, and then a plague of wild animals roamed the country. A plague of pestilence killed most of the livestock, followed by a plague of boils afflicting the Egyptians themselves. The last plague mentioned in this portion was that of a miraculous hail-and-fire mixture, that destroyed almost all the Egyptian vegetation.

Each of the plagues lasted for a week, and then Pharaoh was given three weeks to reconsider letting the people go. Pharaoh refused to be impressed by the miracles that Moshe and Ahron performed. Even when he saw that his own magicians could not duplicate the miracles, he hardened his heart and would not let the people go. After the first few plagues the suffering became so great, that Pharaoh did consider allowing some segments of the people to leave temporarily. This, however, was not acceptable to Moshe.

After five plagues of suffering throughout Egypt, and despite the pleas of his own nation, Pharaoh still refused to recognize the hand of G-d.

By that time, since he had been given so many opportunities, G-d hardened Pharaoh’s heart and did not allow him to let the nation go. This would pave the way for him to receive the next five plagues and eventually the punishment he, and the Egyptian people, deserved.

... I will spread my hands before G-d (in prayer)…(Exod. 9:29)

Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach was speaking to someone, when he excused himself that he must leave for an important meeting. When questioned about his meeting he explained that he had to go to the synagogue for prayers, to meet with G-d.

The guest pointed out that the services did not begin for another fifteen minutes, and the synagogue was only a two-minute walk from his home. Rav Shlomo Zalmen replied that if one had a meeting with the President he would not wait until the last minute to leave for it. He would make sure that he was comfortably prepared beforehand. Meeting with the Creator should involve no less a preparation. One should pause for a few minutes to gather his thoughts together before prayer.

Did You Know...

Kiddush is recited, both Friday night and Shabbos morning, on a full cup of wine. The cup should hold at least 4 ozs. One who cannot drink wine may use grape juice. Liquor or beer may also be used. There is a difference of opinion whether one must use a full cup of liquor or if a shot glass is sufficient. However, even those who require a full cup to recite the Kiddush do not require the person to drink more than one ounce of the liquid.

It is preferable to distribute a little of the Kiddush wine to everyone at the table, although the mitzvah is still fulfilled without their drinking at all, as long as they heard the Kiddush and had in mind to fulfill their obligation.