In Deuteronomy 7:15 Moses makes the startling statement that God will remove all illness from the Jewish people. If so, then why are so many people sick today?
plagues
There are several plagues mentioned in the Bible. The most important and dramatic were the 10 Plagues in Egypt prior to the Exodus.
Parshat Bo Summary
Parshat Bo is the 3rd parsha in Sefer Shemot (also known as Exodus).
This parsha is verses Exodus 10:1 – 13:16, or a total of 105 verses.
Here is a brief summary for each aliyah.
Parshat Vaeira Summary
Parshat Vaeira is the 2nd parsha in Sefer Shemot (also known as Exodus).
This parsha is verses Exodus 6:2 – 9:35, or a total of 121 verses.
Here is a brief summary for each aliyah.
Talk about Money – NOW?
Parshat Bo 5772
Often to understand the current parsha it is necessary to look back in the Torah.
Earlier this week I raised questions about the Jews borrowing objects from the Egyptians. The obvious problem was that the Jews were leaving Egypt and therefore could not possibly return the borrowed objects. Isn’t that a significant ethical lapse?
May I Please Borrow a Cup of Sugar?
It’s a sure fire way to meet your new neighbors. Walk next door with a measuring cup in your hand and say, “Hi. We just moved in. I want to bake cookies, but I can’t find the sugar. May I please borrow a cup of sugar?”
Of course, they’ll say yes and you are well on your way to forming a new friendship.
That’s great when you’re new in a community. Does the same thing work when you are leaving?
Why 1 Serpent is Better Than 100
This week’s parsha reminds me of the kid’s game rock-paper-scissors.
When I was growing up in Los Angeles, here is how we described the winner of each round:
- Rock breaks scissors
- Scissors cuts paper
- Paper covers rock
No matter what choice you make, you might win or you might lose. Sure, if you both make the same choice, then the game is a draw. But I always played to win :-).
What Does a Serpent Prove?
Parshat Va’eira 5772
The question is really quite simple.
Suppose I want to prove to you that I am the best at something. For an easy example, I claim to be the best at kicking a football.
We go out to a field and I kick a football 200 feet. You then call over five other people who all proceed to do exactly the same thing.
On what basis can I maintain my claim to be the best?