In honor of my granddaughter Hallel Nesyah, who just turned four (ad 120).
We have a rule in our family that in gan we speak Hebrew, but at home, we speak English. Halleli was in gan and learned about the ten plagues. When she came home, she tried to explain to her Ema and Abba what the ganenet said, and she translated it into English.
"Today we learned about froggie boo boos."
In Parshat Va'eira we learn the fundamental difference between the meaning of life for the Jewish people, and that of our enemies. These statements have shaped our lives for the past 3500 years. (Exodus: 6:6-8)
** I am Hashem, and I shall take you out from under the burdens of Egypt;
** I shall rescue you from their service;
** I shall redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments;
** I shall take you to Me for a people and I shall be a G-d to you...
** I shall bring you to the land ...and I shall give it to you as a heritage.
Five positive statements that would mold a nation, and remain as pillars in the identity of the Jewish people forever.
And what are the statements that mold our enemy.
Let us look forward to Parshat Beshallach (Exodus 15:9):
** I will pursue;
** I will overtake;
** I will divide plunder;
** I will satisfy my lust with them;
** I will unsheathe my sword, my hand will impoverish them.
The Jewish people's statements - freedom, faith in G-d, devotion to the Land of Israel.
Our enemy's statements - destruction, perversion and murder.
Thank you, Hashem, for allowing us to be among your nation.
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