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Sruly Schnair
In Vaeira, 5754

“And the frog(s) came up and covered the land of Egypt.” (8:2)

Rashi explains that originally there was only one frog.  The Egyptians attempted to kill this frog by beating it. As they continued beating, it divided into swarms and swarms of frogs. Horav Itze’le Voloshiner z.t.l. asks what would have occurred if they had not provoked and beat that original frog? Probably nothing! Why, then, did they foolishly continue the beating, only to see their endeavor “backfire” and produce more frogs? He responds that this lack of self- control is human nature. Every provocation encourages a reciprocal response. Each time the Egyptians saw the frogs’ “response” they, in reaction, kept on…

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Sruly Schnair
In Vaeira, 5754

“And the years of the life of Levi were 137 years.” (6:16)

Horav Avigdor Miller, Shlita, suggests that the secret of this family’s success and virtue is found in this pasuk. Levi, who was four years Yosef’s senior, lived 23 years longer than he. During Yosef’s tenure as viceroy of Egypt, he undoubtedly supervised the complete spiritual education and development of his extended family.  After Yosef’s death, which was generally at the same time as the demise of most of his brothers, a spiritual decline among the surviving brothers began. After all, a deterioration was to be expected in light of the loss of Yosef’s spiritual leadership. The exposure to the decadence…

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Sruly Schnair
In Vaeira, 5754

“These are the heads of their fathers houses… and the sons of Shimon… and these are the names of the sons of Levi. (6:13,14,15)

Why does the Torah emphasize the word “names”, in regard to Shevet Levi, tribe of Levi, in contrast to the other shevatim? The Shelah Ha’kadosh offers a powerful insight. The tribe of Levi was not included in the Egyptian bondage. They did not suffer the cruelty which was an everyday experience for Bnei Yisrael.  What could they do to share in Bnei Yisrael’s anguish at this particularly trying time? They gave their children names which reflected the suffering and exile of their brethren. The name Gershon implies being a stranger in a strange land. Kehas alludes to dulling of the…

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Home -> 5754 -> Vaeira

Sruly Schnair
In Vaeira, 5754

“Behold, Bnei Yisrael will not listen to me, how then shall Pharaoh hear me, for I am of uncircumcised lips.” (6:12)

Moshe Rabbeinu was reluctant to accept the position as spokesman and leader of Bnei Yisrael. Moshe’s reason is clear. How could Pharaoh accept Moshe, if Bnei Yisrael, the people whom he was attempting to rescue, themselves did not believe in him? Much has been discussed by the commentators regarding Moshe’s kal v’chomer, a ‘priori argument. Bnei Yisrael had a somewhat justifiable reason for not heading Moshe. They were overwhelmed and dejected. They yearned for freedom, but they were too discouraged to hope for it.  On the other hand, Pharaoh had no reason to ignore Moshe’s words, other than pure obstinacy. …

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