January 04, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008 6:21 pm
Parshat Hashavua: Vaera Exodus 6:2-9:35
Demoralized by Pharaoh’s imposition of even harsher conditions as a result of Moses first visit, God urges Moses to return and demonstrate the miracles he can perform. God warns Moses that God will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will not heed the appeal. Though Moses can turn a staff into a serpent, so can Pharaoh’s magicians.
God tells Moses that God is about to bring a series of plagues upon Egypt. This week’s reading contains the first seven plagues. Though God can turn the water to blood and bring frogs, so too can Pharaoh’s magicians. When God brings lice and the magicians realize that they cannot do the same they recognize that “This is the finger of God!”
Beginning with the fourth plague, a differentiation is made between the land of Goshen where the Israelites live and the rest of Egypt. Goshen is spared, another sign of the most unusual nature of these plagues. Pharaoh begins to relent, but will not allow the Israelites to all go together into the wilderness to worship their God.
More plagues next week and the final release of the people.
Shabbat Shalom
Candle lighting: Friday, January 4, 2008 4:23pm
