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Beit Midrash
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According to the p'shat, during the first plague, Egypt had water, just not from the Nile River, "And all of Egypt dug around the Nile for drinking water, for they could not drink from the waters of the Nile (Shemot 7:24; see Ibn Ezra). Nonetheless, even in such a situation it is impossible to hold out for a long time, for the Nile is the primary source of water for Egypt. Furthermore, according to the derasha of Chazal (which is based on the p'shat in Shemot 7:19) all the water sources in Egypt turned to blood, even water that was in their homes, "In all of the land of Egypt- even in the baths and pools that were in their homes" (Rashi 7:19). If so, the question returns: why was there a need for the other plagues?
It seems that the conclusion is that there is an independent need for the plagues, beyond merely freeing B'nei Yisrael from Egypt. A close analysis of the verses demonstrates that the Torah repeats again and again certain phrases, such as "In order so that you shall know that I am Hashem in the land" (Shemot 8:18). The purpose of the plagues is to practically demonstrate G-d’s providence in the world. This means that the plagues are meant not only to punish Pharaoh, and not just to release B'nei Yisrael from bondage, but also to reveal the name of G-d in the world.
It is reasonable to assume there is added meaning to the plagues of Egypt that we will encounter through analyzing an additional question. The Torah describes how Hashem hardens the heart of Pharaoh. If so, why was Pharaoh punished, for it was Hashem who hardened his heart?!
It seems both questions are dependent on each other. It is possible to say that Hashem didn’t do any direct action to harden the heart of Pharaoh but gave Pharaoh the feeling as if he can oppose Hashem. This feeling is nurtured in Pharaoh through the Ten Plagues. Hashem strikes the house of Egypt with the plague of blood. As a result, Pharaoh promises to release Am Yisrael, and following his promise the plague of blood is removed. Afterwards, Pharaoh retracts his promise and he feels as if he can act in opposition to G-d, fool Him, and in the end the plague will be removed.
It is possible that this is the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, giving him the feeling that as if he is the one is control of the situation. Therefore, the Ten Plagues were needed (for they brought about hardening his heart) and therefore there is no problem in punishing Pharaoh, for Hashem didn’t harden his heart, but only created a situation that enabled him to feel as if he can fool G-d (I heard this from My Rav and teacher HaRav Meidan, and similarly see Abarbanel Shemot 7:3; Sefer HaIkarim, 4:25).
So too with us, we do not always see Hashem’s providence clearly. If only we saw how G-d punishes every sin or rewards for every mitzva, we would not have freedom of choice, and we would certainly only do G-d’s will. Hashem gives us the possibility to act, as if, against His will, but we need to be careful that we should not harden our own hearts, that we shouldn’t feel as if we can do whatever we want. Freedom of choice is given to us in order to enable us to recognize that our freedom is to do the will of G-d in this world.
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
