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Beit Midrash
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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
Pasuk 1- Hashem told Moshe that he and Aharon would be leader and spokesman, respectively, in the attempt to sway Paroh. Pasuk 2- Moshe and Aharon should speak to Paroh so that he should let Bnei Yisrael leave his land. Pasuk 3- Hashem would harden Paroh’s heart and do many miracles throughout then land. Pasuk 4- Paroh would not listen, and Hashem’s Hand performing great plagues would free Bnei Yisrael. (This is the pasuk that Rashi cited). Pasuk 5- Egypt would recognize Hashem’s Hand, which brought about the Exodus. Pasuk 6- Moshe and Aharon did as Hashem commanded. Pasuk 7- Moshe and Aharon were 80 and 83, respectively, when they spoke to Paroh.
Careful reading of these p'sukim (see our long article on the matter in Hemdat Ha’aretz, vol. 2) uncovers that there were two possible approaches to achieving the liberation from Egypt. The first one, hinted at in p’sukim 1-2, & 7 was to bring about the liberation just by means of their prophetic speech. Using this approach, there would have been no need for Paroh’s heart to be hardened to accept more plagues and miracles. Rather, Bnei Yisrael’s high level of belief would have had such impact on Paroh that he would have let them go based on words alone, obviating the need for miracles.
The second approach is described in p’sukim 3-6. Using this approach, it was the miracles and plagues that impacted Paroh and ultimately caused him to agree to the Exodus. On one hand, this approach did not require Bnei Yisrael to reach great heights in belief. On the other hand, the process of obtaining Paroh’s acquiescence had to be a more drawn out and complicated one.
Moshe chose the second approach as the one he felt was most appropriate for Bnei Yisrael. Therefore, as the series of miracles and plagues ran its course, Hashem reminded Moshe that He had told him that all of this was necessary only because Moshe was afraid to try to liberate the nation with speech alone.
Let us pray that we, who have seen so many miracles in our era, will merit witnessing the return to hearing Heavenly speech once again.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
