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Several commentaries struggle with the kal vachomer: The Torah says that the people did not listen to Moshe because of "shortness of spirit and hard work" (ibid.:9), matters unrelated to Par’oh, so how did his argument work? When Moshe eventually returned to Par’oh, Par’oh said to him: "Give for yourselves a sign" (Shemot 7:9). Commentaries are troubled by the language of giving a sign to them as it should be "to me" [Par’oh]. I once saw an explanation that Par’oh was actually teasing Moshe, saying that if you are not able to show signs to your own people and get them behind you, then you are not representing anybody. As for himself, Par’oh was difficult to impress with little miracles of the type that Moshe began with, as Egypt was filled with sorcerers who could do impressive things. This approach would cause the "kal vachomer" to work a little differently. It is not merely that it is harder to convince Par’oh than to convince Bnei Yisrael, which might be true, but that having Bnei Yisrael on board could have been a pre-requisite for the mission.
Was Par’oh right that as long as Moshe did not convince his people, he did not represent anybody and was thereby doomed to failure? Let us divide the answer into two. Firstly, he did not initially need to represent anybody because he represented a "non-body," Hashem. It was Hashem who decided on the time and the means for the Exodus. As a matter of fact, Moshe did not need to impress Par’oh with soaring rhetoric. What he needed to do was authentically represent Hashem in relaying his messages to Par’oh, so that Par’oh would have no choice but to see and understand the context of His increasingly harsh messages.
On the other hand, Moshe did need to galvanize the people of Israel to be ready to embrace Hashem with deep belief, a family legacy from the forefathers, which had to be reawakened for them to merit salvation. The people, who were overall extremely passive in a "would-be revolt," had to be ready to circumcise their males, sacrifice an Egyptian deity to Hashem, and be ready to leave for the desert most minimally prepared physically (see Yirmiyah 31:1). The miracles Moshe performed helped jump-start their belief in his leadership, feelings that were weakened during the ensuing difficulties, and then grew as Hashem’s miracles took on unseen proportions. Their experience with His trustworthy, humble messenger proved Moshe to be an honest representative of the Lord of their forefathers.
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
