Parashat Vaera

Questions and answers about the Torah portion.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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