Parashat Va'eira: Instilling Emunah Through Miracles

In memory of Reb Naftali Herz ben Shlomo Meisler z”l and Malka bas Yehuda Romovich a”h

As we enter the powerful Parshiot of Shovavim, the Torah begins to reveal Hashem’s miracles and His intimate involvement in the lives of Am Yisrael. This week’s message is dedicated in memory of:

• Reb Naftali Herz ben Shlomo (Tuli Meisler z”l) – A beloved member of the Antwerp and Minchas Yitzchak community, known for his yirat shamayim, hasidut, and chesed.

• Malka bas Yehuda Romovich a”h – The mother of our friend Yehuda Mandel, a righteous woman who fasted every Monday and Thursday during Shovavim for years.

The Message of Parashat Va’eira

This week’s Parasha answers a fundamental question: How do we strengthen emunah in a world of suffering and doubt?

Moshe’s Question – and Hashem’s Answer

• At the end of Parashat Shemot, Moshe asks: “Why have You done evil to this people?”

• Hashem responds by reminding Moshe of the legacy of the Avot, who believed with full faith despite not seeing open miracles.

• Moshe’s name, given by Bat Paro, means “to draw out”—a lifelong mission to help others and strengthen their faith.

Miracles: A Tool to Awaken Faith

Hashem begins showing Moshe that a new phase is beginning—open miracles that will:

• Redeem Bnei Yisrael from suffering (Inui)

• Free them from slavery (Avdut)

• Remove their alienation as strangers (Gerut)

What Is a Miracle?

• As Rav Dessler teaches, nature is what we see regularly. A miracle is a divine act that breaks nature to reveal Hashem’s will.

• Examples:

  • Water turns to blood when an Egyptian holds it, but remains water for a Jew.

  • Frogs leap into ovens—against their survival instincts.

  • Hail mixed with fire falls—opposing elements united by Hashem.

Three Purposes of the Ten Plagues

According to the Ramban, the Ten Plagues serve to:

1. Prove Hashem created the world – Yesh me’ayin, something from nothing.

2. Show Hashem runs the world – Divine providence over every detail.

3. Demonstrate that Hashem governs nature – Only Hashem can unite fire and ice.

Why Ten Plagues?

• One miracle is not enough to instill lasting faith.

• Hashem orchestrated ten distinct miracles over nearly a year so that Am Yisrael would witness, internalize, and develop emunah through repetition and reflection.

The Frogs: A Lesson in Mesirut Nefesh

• The frogs didn’t need instructions. They knew where to go—into ovens, kitchens, and people’s bodies.

• The Midrash says they “understood” (tzaddik poreish) and chose self-sacrifice.

• Their Shirah is “Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto Le’olam Va’ed”—a praise usually reserved for angels and Yom Kippur, highlighting their extraordinary kiddush Hashem.

• Their mesirut nefesh inspired later generations—like Chananya, Mishael, and Azaryah—to do the same.

Final Message

Through the plagues, Hashem wasn’t just punishing Egypt—He was educating Am Yisrael. The miracles:

• Instilled emunah by showing Hashem’s hand in every detail.

• Prepared us to receive the Torah through Yitziat Mitzrayim and Matan Torah.

• Demonstrated that even the smallest creature can sanctify Hashem’s name through mesirut nefesh.

Let us strengthen our own faith as we remember these lessons—knowing that Hashem still

governs every part of our world, and every miracle, large or small, is a message to draw us closer.