Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Va'era
Although Aharon shows Pharaoh a sign by turning a staff into a snake, Pharaoh's magicians are able to copy the sign, emboldening Pharaoh to refuse the request.
Hashem punishes the Egyptians and sends plagues of blood and frogs upon Egypt, but the magicians copy these miracles on a smaller scale, once again encouraging Pharaoh's obstinance. After the plague of lice, Pharaoh's magicians concede that only G-d could be performing these miracles.
Only the Egyptians, and not the Jews in Goshen, suffer during the plagues. The onslaught continues with wild animals, pestilence, boils and fiery hail which decimated Egyptian society and commerce. However, despite Moshe's offers to end the plagues if Paro will let the Jewish People leave, Pharaoh continues to harden his heart and refuses to let them go.
Why was the Plague of Blood not enough?
Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon | 5777
Parashat Hashavua: “With a Strong Hand He Will Expel Them from His Land
Harav Shaul Yisraeli – from Siach Shaul, p. 205-6
Rabbi Yossef Carmel | Tevet 5785
The Jew Faces the Gentile World
Parashat Vaera
Rabbi Sholom Gold | 5765
