Parshat Va'eira: Emunah, Miracles, and Redemption

Hello everyone. This week is Parshat Va'eira, and I apologize for the slight delay today. I'm sending this message for the ilui neshama of Mrs. BenZion Lander from Antwerp, a beloved and distinguished member of the community. May this be a source of strength for all the hostages to return safely, and for all those in need of Yeshua.

We are now in the second week of Shovavim, a time dedicated to bringing greater sanctity into our homes. A fundamental aspect of this is emunah (faith), which Parshat Va'eira emphasizes, particularly through the sanctification of Hashem's Name and Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying God's Name).

Emunah in Times of Challenge

• Proclaiming Hashem's Goodness: We proclaim "Lehagid BaBoker Chasdecha" (to declare Your kindness in the morning) for the good Hashem does for us.

• Faith in the Face of Trials: "Ve'Emunatcha BaLaylot" (and Your faithfulness in the nights) signifies that our faith is proven during challenging times ("laylot" in plural, as trials are many). Hashem says, "I also emunah techa" (I trust you), knowing we will grow from these trials to strengthen our emunah and understand our purpose.

• Moshe's Question: At the end of last week's Parasha, Moshe questioned, "Lama Hariota?" (Why have You dealt ill?), reflecting on suffering and why the righteous often face hardship.

• Hashem's Response: Hashem replies, "Ani Hashem" (I am Hashem). This means:

  • Midat HaRachamim: All that I do, even through difficulty, is for good.

  • Open Miracles: Unlike with the Avot, where Hashem revealed Himself as "Kel Shakai" (limiting miracles within natural boundaries), He will now perform open, tremendous miracles to strengthen Am Yisrael's faith before Matan Torah (giving of the Torah) so they can fully trust Him and say "Na'aseh V'Nishma" (we will do and we will hear).

The Four Expressions of Redemption (Lashonot shel Geulah)

Hashem promises salvation with four terms of redemption, corresponding to the four cups of wine we drink on Pesach:

1. "VeHotzeiti" (I will take you out) - from Bavel (Babylonian exile).

2. "VeHitzalti" (I will save you) - from Paras u'Madai (Persian-Median exile, Purim).

3. "VeGa'alti" (I will redeem you) - from Yavan (Greek exile, Chanukah).

4. "VeLakachti" (I will take you) - from Edom (our current exile), to bring us closer to Him and enable us to sanctify His Name.

The Purpose of the Ten Plagues

The 10 plagues in Mitzrayim were not just punishments for Egypt; they were educational for Am Yisrael, designed to instill emunah gradually over time. Rabbi Yehudah categorizes them into three groups:

1. "BeZot Teida Ki Ani Hashem" (With this you shall know that I am Hashem): This group (blood, frogs, lice) taught Pharaoh, "Who is God?," demonstrating Hashem as the sole Creator, Who created Yesh Me'Ayin (something from nothing), intertwining opposing forces like fire, wind, water, and sand. This is the foundation of emunah.

2. "Ani Hashem B'Kerev Ha'Aretz" (I am Hashem in the midst of the land): This group (wild animals, pestilence, boils) showed Hashem's Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence) – that He sees and cares for each individual, even amidst a plague.

3. "Ein Kamoni BeChol Ha'Aretz" (There is none like Me in all the earth): This group (hail, locusts, darkness, plague of firstborn) revealed Hashem's ultimate power to do the impossible, transcending natural laws.

The Humble Frog's Kiddush Hashem

The Midrash teaches a powerful lesson from the plague of frogs:

• When commanded to enter ovens, the frogs, knowing they would die, jumped into the fire. Why?

• They understood their purpose was to sanctify Hashem's Name and prove His power.

• The frog's "Shira" (song) in Perek Shira is "Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuto L'Olam Va'Ed" – the words angels proclaim and we say on Yom Kippur.

• A Lesson for Us: If tiny frogs could make such a Kiddush Hashem by sacrificing their lives, then we, as human beings, are certainly obligated to do even more. This inspired Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to jump into the fiery furnace rather than bow to idols. Every part of creation holds messages for us.

This Shabbat is "Shabbat Mevarchim," where we bless the upcoming month. "Shabbat" can be an acronym for: Shin - Shomreinu (He keeps us), Bet - Barcheinu (He blesses us), Tav - Taherenu (He purifies us).

A Story of Honoring Mitzvot

I'll end with a beautiful story about Binyamin Cohen from Morocco. He was a righteous, wealthy, traditional Jew known for his emunah and good deeds. Upon his passing, his wealthy son in France arranged for his burial in Eretz Yisrael, a complicated and expensive process. A grand funeral was held on Har HaMenuchot, attended by many prominent figures.

Three months later, a friend of the son visited Morocco and, assuming the father was still there, went to his grave. He called the son, joyfully reporting he had prayed at the father's grave. The son was confused; his father was buried in Israel. After investigation, the Chevra Kadisha in Morocco made a shocking discovery: there was another Binyamin Cohen buried nearby, and they had mistakenly exhumed and transported the wrong Binyamin Cohen to Israel!

The son then quietly arranged for his actual father's reburial in Israel. Determined to understand the first Binyamin Cohen's merit, the son investigated. He discovered this Binyamin Cohen was a humble, happy, and deeply faithful bachelor who lived in poverty. His singular mitzvah was to attend every wedding he could, dancing and singing to be mesameach chatan ve'kallah (make the groom and bride happy). When offered payment, he only requested a blessing to merit seeing Yerushalayim, saying that rejoicing with a bride and groom is like rebuilding a ruin of Jerusalem.

From Heaven, his reward was to be miraculously brought to Eretz Yisrael and buried in a prestigious plot, thus "seeing" Yerushalayim. This story powerfully illustrates the impact of a single mitzvah performed with sincerity and emunah.

May you have a wonderful Shabbos. May the coming month be one of Yeshuot (salvations), Shalom (peace), and may we only share good news. All my love from New York.