Parashat Vaera in english 5769
Rav David Daniel Hacohen שליט״א
Summary
Starting from the Gemara in Pesachim, which says the Haggadah must begin with disgrace and end with praise, the Rav asks why we recall our past failings on the night of Pesach. He explains the two opinions on where to start: Avadim Hayinu, or "our fathers were idol worshippers" before Avraham. Following the Tosafot and an explanation from the Gemara in Megillah, he says Israel's idolatry was never fully willing: since Adam's sin, the souls of Israel were mixed in the roots of the nations and in Egypt they were under their influence. The Rav says Hashem looks at our change, not at our past. In his view, the weeks in which the Exodus is read are a time to repent, especially for wrong relationships, which the Zohar compares to idolatry. The name Mitzrayim, he adds, points to every narrow place from which Hashem helps us out.
Highlights
- 0:15 The Haggadah begins with disgrace: why recall our past mistakes Passover Repentance
- 1:53 Israel accepted the Torah under compulsion at Sinai, and willingly in the days of Mordechai Torah study Purim
- 3:18 Tosafot: the excuse of compulsion does not apply to idolatry Halacha Mitzvot
- 4:24 The Gemara in Megillah: Israel's idolatry was not willing Faith Purim
- 6:56 The two opinions: begin with Avadim Hayinu, or with Avraham's fathers The Patriarchs Passover
- 7:43 Adam's mistake: the souls of Israel mixed with the roots of the nations Kabbalah The soul Secrets of the Torah
- 8:44 Avraham the Ivri separates himself and Hashem accepts our return The Patriarchs Repentance
- 10:29 In Egypt, the influence of the nations and the absence of Torah Exile Passover
- 11:07 The nations' influence today and the time to repent for wrong relationships Current events Marriage and family Repentance
- 12:39 The Zohar: such a relationship pushes the Shechina away Shechinah Secrets of the Torah
- 13:38 Mitzrayim as every narrow place from which Hashem brings us out Exile Redemption Mashiach