Parashat Vaera
Parshas Vaera is the second parsha in the Book of Shemos and the 2nd week of Shovavim. It contains 121 pesukim. For the Haftora, Yechezkels prophecy to Egypt is read.
Contents
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Mission of Moshe and Aaron
Hashem resend Moshe to the Jews, this time with the 'four expressions of redemption', telling them they will leave Egypt and inherit Eretz Yisroel. The Jews do not listen to Moshe.
Rebuke
Hashem speaks to Moshe in a Harsh tone and rebukes him as a result of his hard accusation that so far the situation had only deteriorated for the Jews. This prophecy like the other times, took place outside the city that was filled with idolatry. Hashem then revealed to Moshe that both the attribute of Judgment and the attribute of Mercy were in truth really one, although this is impossible to comprehend as it falls under 'the ways of Hashem that are incomprehensible'. He also told him that despite the bulk of the nation influenced by Dassan and Aviram had failed to stand strong throughout the hard test of faith during the final intensifying of labor, He would redeem them in merit of the Avos and those righteous Jews that did remain faithful during this ordeal.
Shem Havaya
This time Hashem reveals Himself with the 'Shem Havaya', a name referencing action, indicating that He plans on fulfilling His promises. He points out the Avos were only addressed with the name 'Kel Shaky' and did not fulfill the promises He made them, yet they did not doubt Him. Not only were they not given the land, they were treated like foreigners. Avraham had to had to purchase the Meorat Hamachpela at its overpriced value, Yitzchck encountered strife with each well he dug and Yackov had to purchase the lot of land where he set up camp. Although the Avos clearly knew the 'Shem Havaya' they did not encounter its full manifestations during their lifetime.
Now the time has come to fulfill the second part of the promise made in the Bris bein HaBisarim and punish the nation that had afflicted the Jews. Hashem relates how He lifted His hand, making an oath on His throne, which symbolizes His kingship.
Four Expressions of Redemption
V'Hotzasi - "I will take you out", V'Hitzalti - "I shall save you" , V'Galti - "I shall redeem you" , V'Lakachti - "I shall take you". Although all these elements took place in the redemption of Egypt, each one also was to manifest at the end of the four exiles, the last one V'Lakachti to manifest at the end of 'Galus Edom' the hardest of the four.
Rejected by the Jews
Moshe repeats his prophecy to the Jews but they fail to be comforted due to their impatience of spirit caused by the suffering of their cruel bondage. Additionally they themselves knew that they were not worth of the redemption through their actions. This was a form of 'false humility' since they should have had faith in Hashem that he would help them in to His great kindness, even though they were not deserving. This initial mistaken mind-frame placed them in constricted consciousness which led them to the far more severe flaw of rejecting Moshe.
Commandment to Confront Pharaoh
Hashem send Moshe to once again confront Pharaoh, requesting that he let the Jews out of his land. Moshe express his doubts of Pharaoh accepting his words when even the Jews did not especially considering that he had a speech defect as a result of his burnt lips. Hashem adds Aharon to the mission making him Moshe's elucidator and explainer, to compensate for Moshe's speech defect. He then instructs Moshe to deal gently with the Jews and to tolerate them. At the same time Moshe is warned to treat Pharaoh with respect despite his wickedness since he held a position of royalty. This commandment to confront Pharaoh is repeated a second time after the listing of Moshe and Aharon's genealogy.
Uncircumcised Lips
During the test given to 3 year old Moshe after snatching Pahraoh's crown, he burnt his lips. This wound partially sealed up his mouth, giving him a speech impediment.
Lineage of Moshe & Aharon
A lineage list is given for the Tribes of Reuvain and Shimon, leading up to Levi in order to list the genealogy of Moshe and Aharon. Additionally Reuvain, Shimon and Levy were the three sons belittled by Yackov during the 'blessing of the Tribes', their genealogy is listed twice to reiterate that they were also important. This also confirms the continuation of Reuvain as the Bichor for Yichus, withstanding the redeemer Moshe coming from Levi.
Genealogy of Tribe of Reuvain
The sons of Reuvain were Chanoch, Pallu, Chezron, and Carmi,each establishing a family.
Genealogy of Tribe of Shimon
The sons of Shimon were Yemuel, Yamin, Ohad, Yachin, Zohar, and Shaul the son of his wife Dina, who is referred to as a Canaanite woman due to her forced relationship with the Canaanite Shechem.
Genealogy of Tribe of Levi
- Levi had three sons Gershon, Kohas, Merari and a daughter Yocheved.
- The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei.
- The sons of Kohas were Amram, Yitzhar, Chevron and Uzziel.
- Amram married his aunt Yocheved together having three children; Miriam, Aharon and Moshe.
- Aharon married Elisheva, the daughter of Aminadav and sister of Nachshon together they had; Nadav and Avihu, Elazar and Ithamar.
- Elazar married from the daughters of Putiel (decedent of both Yosef and Yisro) and had a son named Pinchas.
- Aharon married Elisheva, the daughter of Aminadav and sister of Nachshon together they had; Nadav and Avihu, Elazar and Ithamar.
- The sons of Yitzhar were Korach, Nepheg and Zichri.
- The sons of Korach were Assir, Elkanah and Aviasaph
- The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan and Sisri.
- Amram married his aunt Yocheved together having three children; Miriam, Aharon and Moshe.
- The sons of Merari were Machli and Mushi.
Years of Levi, Kohas and Amram
Levi lived to hundred thirty and seven years, Kohas lived to a hundred thirty three years and Amram lived to hundred and thirty seven years. This information is mentioned to help calculate the historical time line of the Egyptian exile. Additionally as long as one of the Tribes was still alive the servitude did not start, Levi having been the last surviving brother.
Sister of Nachshon From that fact that Nachshon is mentioned, we learn that one should investigate the brothers of his future wife.
Putiel
Putiel was a reference used for both Yisro who fattened calves for idolatrous sacrifices (Pitem / פִּטֵּם) and Yosef who defied and fought his evil inclination during the test of Potiphar’s wife (Pitpet / פִּטְפֵּט). The wife of Elazar descended on one side from Yosef and the other parent came from Yisro.
Second Confrontation With Pharaoh
Sign of the Snake Stick
In the lower levels of existence the 'Other Side' was created parallel and lateral to the 'Side of Holiness' to give people free choice. Therefore through the use of the impure names the wicked are able to mimic the miracles of the righteous, similar to an ape mimicking a human. However in the higher realms the 'Side of Holiness' is far more powerful and therefore Aharon' rod was able to swallow the rods of the sorcerers.
The Plagues
Refusal to Give In
Ironically Pharaoh who did everything he could to oppose the Divine will was in essence making all the necessary moves needed to openly sanctify Hashem's name on a massive level through the continuous plagues brought about by his refusal to give in. This is common for the wicked to believe they are doing the opposite of Hashem's wishes, yet their very rebellious actions bring about the end goal desired by Hashem.
Strengthening of Pharaoh Heart
Sometimes a person wishes to do something but is forced to give in at the end due to the pressure, suffering and torture placed upon him, despite the fact that in his heart he wishes he could continue. Pharaoh was given the extra strength to withstand all the pressure and suffering so he could continue to carry out the wickedness his heart desired, where all others would have caved in.
Plague of Blood
Plague of Frogs
Frog emerges up immediately after Moshe raises hand, unlike the locust that took over 12 hours to come.
Plague of Lice
Plague of Wild Animals
Unlike the plague of locust where the Egyptians tried to exploit the situation, catching and preserving locust, here they did not do so out of great fear from the vicious animals.