This week’s Torah portion is host to the cataclysmic events of the ten plagues. These plagues turn nature on its head and are designed to make clear that Gd is the Creator of the world and is capable of creating phenomena beyond human comprehension. 

While the plagues were a one time phenom of that particular time and place, the narrative and events are embedded with lessons for eternity. 

We would expect that this sound and light show of the miraculous events which are unfolding would be preceded by some meaningful “drumroll” to tee up the coming attractions. 

Instead, the Torah portion Va’Eira precedes the unfolding miracles with yet another listing of the children of Jacob. 

Again?

We have been regaled multiple times with the roster of the family of Jacob. Why is it necessary to repeat it again?

Our Sages teach us that the miracles of the plagues are to be facilitated by our leaders, Moses and Aaron, and it’s important to know where they come from, because their leadership comes from their upbringing. 

The troika of leaders in Egypt, through the Exodus and during the desert sojourn, are siblings. Moses, Aaron and Miriam have the common denominator of leadership which stems from compassion. They do not lord it over the people, but firmly embed themselves in the midst of the nation, doling out compassion and loving support all the while. 

This is in stark juxtaposition to Pharoah, who incites terror, fear and wreaks all manner of destruction. 

The title of the book is Names, Shmot, but while we are introduced to the protagonists who lead with kindness and compassion, Pharaoh is actually anonymous. 

We never know his real name. 

Pharaoh is an appellation, like King or Prime Minister. 

He is not worthy of honorable mention. 

So let’s dive into the first plague  of Blood. 

Aaron was commanded to strike the Nile, the source of all water in Egypt, and when he did, all the water in Egypt turned to blood. 

Except - water that belonged to the Jews. 

What were the Egyptians to do?

They would grab water from the hands of a Jew only to see it turn to blood before their very eyes. 

The solution to the dilemma was through the purchase of the water for money. Once the Egyptians bought the water from the Jews, the water remained water in their hands. 

The Hebrew word for blood is “dam” דם. The Hebrew word for money is “damim “ דמים. 

Sounds very similar. 

The deeper lesson is restitution. 

The Egyptian had to pay the amount which was commensurate to the pain he had caused. 

The Egyptians treated the Hebrew slaves brutally. Now they would have to pay the requisite amount to receive clear drinking water. 

While the Egyptians were dealing with this water catastrophe, the Torah reports on the action of their beloved leader Pharoah. 

“Pharaoh turned away and came to his palace “. 

Unlike Moses who sees the suffering of his brethren and casts his lot with them, Pharaoh turns his back and shuts out the cacaphony. 

It’s a Marie Antionette move. 

Let them eat cake, or let them drink champagne. 

But the question remains. 

What did Pharaoh drink?

It seems as though he returned home, found clean, unaffected water and left the riffraff to their own devices. 

How was it that Pharoah’s water was unaffected?

If we review the life of Moses from last week’s Torah portion we remember he was rescued from the Nile by the daughter of Pharaoh and actually raised in the palace, in Pharoah’s house. 

Our Sages teach us that Pharoah was due the payment of room and board so just as the individual Egyptian was “charged” for his actions, so too Pharoah received his payment in full for services rendered, in the form of clean water. 

This gives the term blood money a whole new meaning. 

Here is the stark contrast of the compassionate leadership of Moses versus that of Pharaoh who sees he has water and turns a blind eye to the suffering of his people. 

We are each leaders in our own right. We have the opportunity to feel the pain of those around us, and by noting each individual and recognizing their intrinsic value, we are nurturing them with the life giving water which can help each one flourish and grow. 

I don’t mean to make these words a constant eulogy, but sometimes it’s beneficial to learn from. people who are in our midst. 

Els Bendheim passed away this week in Israel. She and her husband were extremely philanthropic and initiated many life changing projects. For example, Sharei Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem was one of their many projects. 

The Bendheim family were members of our synagogue when I was growing up. Even as a child I was very aware of their leadership in our community. In those days, during the cold winter months, many of the women in the congregation wore beautiful, expensive mink coats. It was freezing cold after all. 

I noticed that Mrs Bendheim never wore such a coat. I found out that she felt that the money could be used to help others and there was no need for such personal extravagance. 

I was quite young when I heard that story and it left a lasting and lifelong impression about compassion for others. 

Leadership can be expressed in many ways. 

It can manifest in a coat or in a drink of water…which one has your name?

Shabbat Shalom and so much love!