Purpose of the Plagues

Found 9 Search results

  1. Representing God or Representing Israel

    Rabbi Ezra Bick

    The ten plagues are divided into two parshiot - the first seven in parshat Va'era and the last three in parshat Bo. Is this merely a division of convenience, or is there an important distinction between these two groups of plagues? By closely examining the text surrounding each of the final three plagues, one can gain an understanding of the shift in Moshe's mission. God wants Moshe's personal involvement, and he switches Moshe's role from the representative of the Jewish people, speaking in God's name, to the representative of God Himself.

  2. Two Groups of Plagues: The Difference Between Va'era and Bo

    Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein

    The division of the plagues between Parshat Va'era and Parshat Bo is very significant, representing the different goals of each set of plagues.  In Parshat Va'era, the struggle between Moshe and Pharaoh relates to the recognition of God, and it is toward this objective that the plagues are directed.  In Parshat Bo, on the other hand, the goal of the plagues is to take Israel out of Egypt. By examining these two goals alongside the haftarot of the two parshiot, we can understand these distinctions in a much deeper way, and appreciate the destiny of Israel as a nation that it will not be utterly destroyed, but rather that it will survive as God's people.

  3. Who is Targeted by the Theological Display of the Plagues in Egypt?

    Dr. Brachi Elitzur

    Moshe must lead the nation in a process of building faith in God, and the means that was chosen in order to fulfill this theological mission is Pharaoh. Pharaoh's starting point, his stubbornness, and his refusal to view the wonders that are occurring before his very eyes as proof of the existence of a God who rules over creation, are what make him a perfect model for the building of the nation's faith, layer by layer. Pharaoh's gradual acknowledgment of God leads to a parallel process of the building of faith amongst his spectators - Am Yisrael.

  4. Parshat Bo

    Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

    Already four hundred years before the Exodus, Pessah was celebrated in the city of Sdom! According to Rashi, Lot baked matzot, because his guests arrived on Pesach. At first glance, this statement seems rather absurd, for what possible meaning could there be in commemorating an event which had not yet taken place! While examining the purpose and significance of the Korban Pesach, we uncover the fundamental biblical theme of "Yom Hashem". This theme helps us understand the relationship between the destruction of Sdom and the process of Yetziat Mitzraim.

  5. Were the First Nine Makkot Deadly?

    Rabbi Yitzchak Blau

    תאריך פרסום: תשע"ד | |

    The tenth plague is known as being the harshest and most deadly. What about the first nine plagues- were they deadly, too? Patterns are apparent in the structure of the plagues narratives as presented in the book of Shemot. Some plagues include warnings, and some include explicit an explicit separation between the Egyptians and the Israelites, but these elements are not present in all of the plagues. Why are there discrepancies? What is the purpose of the presence or lack of a warning or separation? We compare and contrast the different opinions of the classic commentators as we approach these questions. 

  6. Ramban on Vaera: The Hardening of Pharoah's Heart

    Rabbi Ezra Bick | 27 minutes

    In Parashat Vaera, God informs Moshe that it is not going to be an easy process before Pharaoh lets Bnei Yisrael out. But then God adds “And I will harden his heart.” Why? Is God taking away Pharaoh’s free will? One opinion is that God is closing the doors to teshuva as a punishment for the evil Pharaoh did to Bnei Yisrael. Ramban explains that God is hardening Pharaoh’s heart to allow him to withstand the plagues – which serve as important political and theological signs from God. God is not taking away his free will. On the contrary, acting properly out of fear or pain is not enough. God hardens Pharaoh’s heart to allow Pharaoh to make his own choices – perhaps paving the way for him to truly repent if he so desires.

  7. Did God Really Need Ten Plagues?

    Rabbi David Fohrman |

    Ten colorful and unique plagues...is that really so necessary? In this week's video, Rabbi Fohrman explores the 7th plague, the transitional plague, and argues that God played off of Pharaoh's ego to show the Pharaoh, the people of Egypt and the people of Israel, that only God is all-powerful.

     

     

    If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.

  8. Parshat Vaera Part 6: The Plagues of Pestilence, Boils and Hail

    Dr. Yael Ziegler | 39 minutes

    This podcast deals with the plagues of pestilence, boils and hail, detailing how each serves its own purpose within the structure of the plagues narrative. 

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com

  9. Parshat Bo Part 1: The Plague of Locusts

    Dr. Yael Ziegler | 33 minutes

    This podcast discusses the plague of locusts and its resulting shift of power between Pharaoh and Moshe. We also discuss purpose of the plague narrative and their purpose and impact on the Nation of Israel.  

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com