Parshas VaeraSefer Shemos
The essay explores the miracle of Makkas Shechin (the plague of boils), specifically the phenomenon of 'muat machzik es hamerubeh' (the small containing the large) when Moshe held both his and Aharon's handfuls of soot. It distinguishes between physical limitations (Teva), which govern material life, and spiritual pursuits (Ruchnius), where a person can transcend natural boundaries through devotion to God.
Medrash
The essay analyzes Tehillim 131, asking why Dovid's declarations of humility and incremental spiritual growth belong among the Shir HaMaalos sung by the Leviim in moments of elevated Avodah. Drawing on a Medrash/Zohar in which a frog rebukes Dovid for pride in his Shira, and on Perek Shira's unique attribution of "Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuso" to the Tzefardea, the author uses Rav Dessler (citing the Maharal) to explain that these words can only be said truthfully by one utterly devoid of Yeshus — as with Yaakov Avinu and with the frogs who leapt into the ovens in Mitzrayim. The conclusion: at moments of peak Avodah we recall not our failings but our capacity to shed self-interest and make "Baruch Shem" our own Shira, which is the basis for "Yachel Yisroel El Hashem."
Tehillim
This essay discusses the lessons from Tehillim chapter 78, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's miracles and the consequences of forgetting them, particularly in relation to the events of the Exodus.
Tehillim
An exploration of Tehillim 110, which Rashi interprets both as Avrohom Avinu's song after defeating the four kings and as Dovid's reflection on fleeing Shaul and all of Klal Yisroel's enemies. Focusing on "Mateh Uzcha Yishlach Hashem M'Tzion," the essay cites a Medrash that Hashem punishes reshaim with a staff because they are likened to dogs, explaining why Moshe and Aharon needed the Matteh in Mitzrayim. Drawing on the Satmar Rav's explanation of the Tikunei Zohar, the essay argues that a dog's bark is worse than its bite — so too Pharaoh was a limited, non-existential threat. Esther erred in calling Achashverosh a dog because his attachment to Haman made him an Amalek-level existential threat, a lion, and misjudging Amalek is itself dangerous.
Tehillim
The essay explores the connections between the Parsha Va'era and its Haftorah from Yechezkel, focusing on the metaphors used to describe Pharaoh and the people of Mitzrayim as fish, illustrating their spiritual failings and the consequences of their actions.
Parsha
The essay asks why Yechezkel's haftorah calls Pharaoh "HaTanim HaGadol" and why Aharon's staff became a tanin specifically before Pharaoh. Drawing on the Gemara in Bava Basra identifying the Taninim Gedolim with the Levyason, and R' Moshe Shapiro's Afikei Mayim, it explains that water represents Ain Sof — limitlessness bound by external boundaries — and the Levyason (gematria Malchus) represents Malchus within that Ain Sof. The gevulim of teva exist so that man can choose to be mamlich Hashem; the tanin-mofes thus warned Pharaoh that the sender of Moshe and Aharon is the limitless King who would suspend the laws of nature through the Makos.
Haftorah
The Haftorah for Parshas Va’Era connects to themes of justice and divine punishment, reflecting on the relationship between Hashem, Pharaoh, and the eventual redemption of Bnei Yisroel.
Haftorah
The essay explores the interaction between Moshe and Pharaoh during the Makkah of Tzefardeah, emphasizing the significance of Moshe's request and the concept of self-determination in the face of divine control.
Parsha
The essay discusses the significance of Moshe and Aron's ages when they approached Pharaoh, emphasizing that their age represents a milestone of Gevurah, which is essential for their mission.
Parsha
This essay explores the significance of the number three in relation to Moshe and Aron’s genealogy and their leadership roles, emphasizing the concept of balance represented by the Middah of Tiferes.
Parsha
This essay explores the theme of Hakaras HaTov as demonstrated through Moshe and Aharon's actions during the Makkos, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the good done by others, even inanimate objects.
Parsha
This week's Parsha discusses Moshe and Aharon's efforts to convince Pharaoh to free Bnei Yisrael, highlighting the miracles (Nissim) that occurred during the plagues and their significance.
Parshawith Purim
This week's Parsha discusses Moshe and Aharon's efforts to convince Pharaoh to free Bnei Yisrael, highlighting the miracles (Nissim) performed during the plagues.
Parshawith Purim