Vaeira
Ten
The Ten plagues experienced by Pharaoh and the Egyptians during the course of the Exodus, are well known. As Pharaoh defied the request to let the Jewish People leave Egypt, he and his nation were severely punished.
Many commentators explain the detailed mechanisms of each plague as specific consequences of acts of brutality by the Egyptians. Rabbi Avraham Sabba, in his work the Tzror Hamor, focuses on the number ten.
Why specifically this number? What about the number ten is central to this episode?
Pharaoh, he explains, was not just waging war on a minority population amongst his citizens; Pharaoh's deeper agenda was complete and absolute denial of G‑d's place in creation.
That, according to the Tzror Hamor, is where the number ten comes in to play. In the book of Bereishit, we read about the world being created with G‑d's "Ten Sayings." For instance, "Let there be light" is not just a description of what was about to unfold, but rather the very act of creation being performed by G‑d's very words.
In denial of these "Ten Sayings," Pharaoh was eliminating G‑d from creation, and by extension, His involvement in our world.
With this backdrop, the Ten Plagues become, not only about extracting punishment for horrible acts, but also a reaffirmation of G‑d's existence. The basic laws of nature, which Pharaoh deemed supreme, were again and again pushed aside.
If Pharaoh represents denial of G‑d and His "Ten Sayings," we, as Jewish People, have the opposite mantra. In fact, the Zohar tells us that the Ten Commandments, entrusted to us for fulfillment, provide us with that very framework.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that although G‑d's "Ten Sayings" are a clear expression of G‑d's constant involvement in this world, at times that alone can be hard to discern.
It is for that reason G‑d provided us with the Ten Commandments. They remind us at all times of creation and G‑d's existence, and encourage us to do our part in changing the world to reflect this constant truth.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the translation.