Parshas Va'eira 5786: Hail to the King

Torah Parallels 

Parshas Vaeira 

לעילוי נשמת האדא בת מרדכי 



 Hail to the King 

The meforshim explain that each of the makkos was another step in demonstrating to Pharaoh and Mitzrayim that Hashem is not just the Borei (Creator) of the world, but is actively engaged as the Manhig as well. One of the clearest examples of this is makkas barad (the plague of hail). Rashi (9:24) points out that this makkah was a “neis b’toch neis” (a miracle within a miracle). Not only was the event of the makkah itself miraculous, but it also involved fire and hail being joined together. The incompatibility of fire and water is typically the prime example of opposing forces, and yet here these opposing forces came together. As Rashi articulates, for the sake of performing the ratzon Hashem, they made peace with one another. 

Certainly, the lessons Hashem demonstrated through the makkos are ones we can take for ourselves as well. Avodas Hashem often requires us to bring together elements that don’t feel intuitive or comfortable, be it physically, spiritually, emotionally, or intellectually. At times, fulfilling ratzon Hashem demands an extra effort that runs against our natural inclinations and “nature”. Makkas barad reminds us that true avodas Hashem is not about acting only where things naturally align, but about aligning ourselves to the emes and ratzon Hashem, even when that requires unifying parts of ourselves that seem to pull in opposite directions.  

 

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