Parashat Vaera

The different miracles performed before the Israelites and before the Egyptians symbolize the different messages communicated to each group.

Aaron bridged an existential gap that divided his brother from the Israelite slaves.

Moses' complaint and God's response teach us that despite our doubts, we can and should work to accomplish our unique missions in life.

The actions and people that brought about the plagues teach us not only sensitivity towards people but also towards the environment.

A Kabbalistic interpretation of the suffering of the Jews in Egypt and their ultimate redemption.

The first plague affected the entire water supply of Egypt.

Modern-day plagues are occurring with greatly increasing frequency around the world.

Like the Egyptians devastated by the arrival of the plagues, we become concerned only when environmental degradation reaches our back door.

Just as the introduction of God's new name represents a shift in our relationship with God, our different names and titles also symbolize different relationships and interactions.

The unfolding experience of liberation enables the knowledge of new aspects of God.

Moses was challenged with the task of trusting God despite adversity.

God tells Moses to remind the Children of Israel that their suffering and redemption is part of an ongoing covenantal process.

The Torah mentions the ages of Moses and Aaron to teach us that age is a source of pride and that by honoring the elderly we bring richness to our own lives.

A Midrash on the 10 plagues reminds us to recognize any good that has been done for us.

Moses and Aaron play complementary roles in communicating God's message of redemption to both the Children of Israel and to Pharaoh.

God knows we need to question God, as Moses did centuries ago.

There is always a choice to be made.

Limits and guidelines in our own lives help us to accomplish tasks and fulfill our responsibilities.

Vaera: A resource for families.

An outstretched arm.

A prophecy of destruction for Egypt.

Questions and answers about the Torah portion.

It takes a great deal of courage to leave what is comfortable and enter the wilderness.

Through Moses and Aaron, God brings plagues on the Egyptians, and Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to allow the Israelites to leave.