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Thursday, Tevet 26, 5776 / January 7, 2016 – HAKHEL YEAR
This Shabbat is Shabbat M'varchim, the Shabbat in which we bless the new Hebrew month, Shevat. Rosh Chodesh is one day, beginning Sunday night, January 10 through Monday, January 11.
In this week's Parsha, Va'eira, the Torah tells us, "And Aaron took Elisheva, the daughter of Aminadav, thesister of Nachshonfor a wife; and she gave birth to Nadav and Avihu, Elazar and Itamar." (Exodus 6:23).
Q.When describing lineage, the Torah usually states who the parents were. Why does the Torah tell us that Aaron's wife was the sisterof Nachshon?
A.The Midrash says that in most cases children will take after the brothers of the mother. By marrying the sister of Nachshon, who was a very righteous person – he was the first to jump into the sea after the Exodus, which resulted in the splitting of the waters. He was the leader of the tribe of Yehuda. Thus, Aaron merited that all his children were righteous and leaders of the Jewish people. According to our sages, this teaches us that a person should check out the brothers of his future wife!
Q.The story of the Exodus will be read in the next Parsha. Yet, there is a connection between this Parsha and the Pesach (Passover) Seder. What is it?
A.The reason that we drink four cupsof wine at the Pesach Seder comes from this week's Parsha. In this Parsha G-d tells Moshe to tell the people of Israel, "I will BRINGyou out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will DELIVERyou from their bondage and I will REDEEMyou with an outstretched arm and with great judgments; and I will TAKEyou to Me for a nation and I will be to you a G-d." (Exodus 6:6-7). The four cups at the Seder represent these four expressionsof redemption.
Q.How old were Moshe and his brother Aaron when they came before Pharaoh?
A. Parsha: "And Moshe was 80 yearsold and Aaron was 83 yearsold when they spoke to Pharaoh."
Q. G-d punished the Egyptians with Ten Plagues, beginning with blood. Seven of them are in this Parsha. G-d punishes measure for measure. What was the reason for the first plague - blood?
A. The Torah tells us, "The waters of the [Nile] river turned to blood and the fish that were in the river died." This was a punishment for Pharaoh's decree that, "every male born shall be thrown into the river." In Ya’akov's blessing to his grandchildren he used the expression "V'yidgu" - "you shall multiply like fish." Pharaoh's decree violated Yaakov's blessing that the children of Israel multiply like the fish. In punishment, G-d turned the Nile into blood and the fish in the Nile died.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
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In loving memory of Lynne Cohen – Malka bat Ya’Akov. Yartzeit is today, Tevet 26.
May her Neshama-soul rest in peace in Gan Eden. May her memory be a blessing to her family.
Dedicated by her husband, Bert Cohen and Children: Erin, Amy, Robby & grandchildren
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