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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
