In this week’s Parshah, G-d tells Moses what to do when Pharaoh asks him for a wonder. Perform the trick with the rod turning into a snake and back again. The same trick that Moses performed when telling of his mission to his own people. The great Italian commentator, Seforno, notes that in the case of the Children of Israel the trick is called a ‘sign‘, while in Pharaoh’s case it is called a ‘wonder’. He explains that in the case of the Israelites, what was needed was proof, not of G-d’s power, but of Moses’ authenticity. The sign was proof that G-d had indeed sent Moses to redeem them. Pharaoh, on the other hand, doesn’t recognise G-d, as he clearly states at his first encounter with Moses. What he asks for is some type of wonder that will convince him of G-d’s existence and power. The result of the performance of these two tricks is very different. Contrary to Moses’ fears, the people immediately believe in his mission. Pharaoh, on the other hand, takes more persuading. Despite the trick with the rod, and despite the fact that Moses’ snake swallows up those of his magicians, he refuses to believe. The wonder hasn’t worked. It is interesting to psychologically examine the motivation between the demand for these different types of authentication. When the Israelites ask for a sign of Moses’ authenticity , they are seeking to examine his ability to carry out the mission he is proposing. They are willing to keep an open mind. Pharaoh, on the other hand, has already declared that he doesn’t recognise G-d, and acted accordingly. It is somewhat strange, therefore, that without any change in circumstance since that statement, he suddenly asks for a wonder. Pharaoh, however, is not interested in the answer. He already knows it. He is interested in humiliating Moses, and proving his opinion that he is a charlatan. The question is not for elucidating the truth, but for strengthening his own prejudices. These two types of question and discussion are familiar to us today, and call for differing responses. Those who ask for a ‘sign’, who are truly perplex, seeking after the facts and have an open mind, should be seriously engaged with. With these people it is possible to have a true discussion, even if in the end they are not convinced. On the other hand, those who sarcastically ask for a ‘wonder’, who are merely interested in confirming their own prejudices and aggrandising their own position, are not worth wasting your breath on. Leave well alone.

ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS

Rishon	G-d promises to redeem the people and bring them to the Promised Land.
Sheni	The genealogy of Moses and Aaron.
Shelishi	G-d instructs Moses to warn Pharaoh of the consequences of disobedience..
Revi’i	The river becomes blood and frogs plague the land.
Chamishi	Gnats annoy everyone.
Shishi	Flies swarm but not in Goshen, cattle die and boils burn.
Shevi’i	Hail smites the land.
Haftorah	Ezekiel: 28;55-29;21: The judgement of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

Sidra Statistics

Parshat Va’era

·         has 121 verses ;

·         is the 2nd in Exodus, 14th in the Torah

·         4th longest in Exodus, 18th longest in the Torah

·         has no mitzvot.

PAST PARSHAH PUZZLE

 

37 years earlier, yet 54 years later.

 

Joseph, who died 37 years younger than his father, 54 years later.

PARSHAH PUZZLE

Breathing problems caused by overwork, lead to hearing difficulties.