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PARSHAT VAERA
This Shabbat we bless the new month of Shevat and Rosh Chodesh is Thursday, January 30th. May it bring to us the blessings of Hashem.
Parshat Vaera begins with Hashem's renewed promise to redeem the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. "Vayidaber Elokim El Moshe Vayomer Aylav Ani Hashem." "And G-d spoke to Moshe and said to him I am Hashem." Sh'mot 6:2.
The exile in Egypt had been long and painful, and the people had lost hope of being freed; a powerful tyrant ruled Egypt. Pharaoh claimed divine powers but G-d said I, alone, am Hashem.
Seven of the Ten Plagues are found in this Parshah and the other three are in next week's Parshah [Bo]. You can remember this fact by the names of these two Torah Portions! Vaera begins with Vav and Alef (6+1=7) and Bo begins with Bet and Alef (2+1=3)!
Although the plagues appeared to be punishments for the evil Pharaoh, our sages teach that they also served as an awesome demonstration that proved to the world there is only one Hashem. This was a powerful sign that Hashem controls everything including all the forces of nature and that He protects and sustains us every day.
In recent times, the entire world witnessed just how incredible and devastating are those forces. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and we pray that Hashem bless us with His divine protection.
Kol Tov! Our best to you...it's all good. Shabbat Shalom, CM
CHADISH FORUM - PLEASE TELL US
At the start of the first plague: Blood, Moshe could not bring himself to strike the Nile River. Why did his brother Aaron need to do it instead?
How many of the 10 plagues are mentioned this week? How many next week? Is there a Gematria way to remember the answer?
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