Parsha: Vaera

Freewill: Use It or Lose It (Va’era 5778)

8th January 2018

In parshat Va’era we read for the first time, not of Pharaoh hardening his heart but of God doing so: … Read more

24th January 2017

Why did Moses tell Pharaoh, if not a lie, then less than the full truth? Here is the conversation between … Read more

4th January 2016

The Torah sometimes says something of fundamental importance in what seems like a minor and incidental comment. There is a … Read more

12th January 2015

The question is ancient. If God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, then it was God who made Pharaoh refuse to let the … Read more

23rd December 2013

At first, Moses’ mission seemed to be successful. He had feared that the people would not believe in him, but … Read more

7th January 2013

Throughout all Egypt the dust turned into lice. But when the magicians tried to produce lice by their secret arts, … Read more

21st January 2012

Why did Moses tell Pharaoh, if not a lie, then less than the full truth? Here is the conversation between … Read more

1st January 2011

The parasha of Va’era begins with some fateful words. It would not be too much to say that they changed … Read more

16th January 2010

It is one of the classic philosophical conundrums. In this week’s sedra, before even the first plague has struck Egypt, … Read more

24th January 2009

As a child, I used to be fascinated by the cup of Elijah at the seder table. Would the prophet … Read more