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Yakov Ben Behora
There are many questions on this pasuk. If Hashem hardened Paroh’s heart, what was his sin? (See Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva, and Ramban.) Why did Hashem need to redeem the Jews with Paroh’s consent? Could He not have taken them out against his will? While we understand Paroh’s behavior during the last five makot, when Hashem hardened his heart, how could he have been so obstinate during the first five makot, despite all that occurred?
Rashi on "I will harden..." explains as follows. After Paroh blasphemed Hashem so wickedly, it was clear that Paroh would never repent with a full heart. Hashem, therefore, hardened Paroh’s heart in order to increase His wonders so that the Jews would come to recognize His might. Rashi concludes that even though the above holds true, during the first five makot, the Torah only says that Paroh’s heart was hardened; it does not say that Hashem hardened it. Rashi implies that even at this early stage (before the first makot) Paroh’s atrocious actions and his denial of Hashem ("who is Hashem that I should listen to His voice?" (Shemot, 5:2)) were sufficient grounds for Hashem to harden his heart. However, Hashem enabled him to repent until after the fifth makah. We should note that even Paroh’s ultimate decision to free the Jews was not repentance, just as a thief who sneaks into a house and flees because of a noise is not considered a ba’al teshuva.
Regarding why Paroh’s consent was necessary, one can claim that since Bnei Yisrael’s enslavement was decreed to last for 400 years, which had not yet elapsed, Paroh was needed to agree to free them. Or, as Rav Yisraeli explained, since the Jews were slaves, if they would leave without their master’s consent, they would remain slaves. Rav Charlap explains that Paroh’s stubbornness stemmed in part from the need for his permission. When one makes a request of an arrogant person, it increases his feeling of power. Although he already realized that his power was limited, Paroh used the request to free Bnei Yisrael to demonstrate his apparent power to refuse. Thus, the first makot, where Paroh hardened his own heart, not only show Hashem’s power, but also teach the folly of a man who thinks he is almighty.
Parashat Hashavua Parashat Hashavua: “With a Strong Hand He Will Expel Them from His Land
Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Siach Shaul, p. 205-6
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
