Rabbi Jon’s Reflection on This Week’s Torah Portion
1.12.2024
Vaeira 2024: Who Speaks for You?
A short reflection on Vaeira (Exodus 6:2 - 9:35)
Many years ago, I read a book or two on negotiating. I fully admit that I no longer remember most of the rules which filled the books’ pages. But, there is one idea that has stuck with me as I watch international politics play out on my Apple Newsfeed – all negotiations should start at the lowest level possible. When contingents of low level diplomats can’t come to an agreement, they can kick the negotiation up a level. Every failure raises the stakes because every failure forces higher levels of leadership to become involved. If an impasse occurs when heads of state finally meet to discuss issues, then no progress can be made because no one of greater authority remains. This typically leads to international conflict.
In this week’s Torah portion, Va-eira, the leaders of two nations come together to decide the fate of an enslaved people. Their negotiations reflect their belief systems and their sense of self. Who are these leaders? The Pharaoh of Egypt and Moses. The negotiating style of each reflects his character. The Pharaoh’s arrogance and Moses’s humility are emphasized time and again in their interactions. Let’s remember that Pharaoh’s goal is to keep a nation enslaved while Moses’ goal is to free that same nation. They have diametrically opposing goals. Each time their negotiations fail, a plague occurs. The plague then restarts the negotiating process.
The great Jewish scholar Maimonides wrote, “It is forbidden for a man to rule over the community with arrogance; rather with humility and awe [of God]” (Mishneh Torah, Sefer Shoftim, Hilchot Sanhedrin, 25:1). While Moses shows respect toward God, the Pharaoh views himself as the ultimate leader of Egypt, above his gods and above his people. He rules with arrogance because he believes he is entitled to anything that he desires including the retention of the Israelites as his possession.
Maimonides goes on to say that a true leader and judge must also have a loathing for money and a love for truth (Mishneh Torah, Sefer Shoftim, Hilchot Sanhedrin 2:7). The Pharaoh’s lifestyle and actions are in complete contradiction to Maimonides’ point-of-view. Wealth and power are Pharaoh’s concerns and truth is something that he ignores time and time again. In contrast, Moses has spent the prior forty years of his life as a shepherd, living a simple life. The Pharaoh’s goal is to control the world which surrounds him. He places his needs above those of his people. So often, we find that our leaders are filled with arrogance and fall short when it comes to humility because of their personal motivations.
The negotiations continue over the course of the Ten Plagues. With each failed negotiation, the Pharaoh becomes more steadfast in his position. But, only a fool allows his ego to inflate as he loses battle after battle. It is the last plague, the most tragic of them all, that breaks down the bravado and ego of the Pharaoh and forces him to finally realize that he can no longer control the outcome of his negotiations with Moses.
One leader places himself and his needs before everyone. The other places the needs of the community before all else. Which leader would you want to help you find your way to freedom?
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VAEIRA SUMMARY FROM THE URJ
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Despite God's message that they will be redeemed from slavery, the Israelites' spirits remain crushed. God instructs Moses and Aaron to deliver the Israelites from the land of Egypt. (6:2-13)
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The genealogy of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and their descendants is recorded. (6:14-25)
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Moses and Aaron perform a miracle with a snake and relate to Pharaoh God's message to let the Israelites leave Egypt. (7:8-13)
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The first seven plagues occur. God hardens Pharaoh's heart, and Pharaoh rescinds each offer to let the Israelites go. (7:14-9:35)
