Va-'era' (Exodus 6:2-9:35)

Don’t Go It Alone

            Parasha Va-‘era’ picks up with Moses under Hashem’s command to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In the previous parasha (Shemot), Moses feels that because of his stutter, he cannot do what is asked of him. The L-rd tells Moses that his older brother Aaron will be willing to speak for him. The brothers speak to Pharaoh, but to no avail. This causes the L-rd to begin to bring about the plagues.

            In Exodus 7:1-2, G-d says to Moses: “See I place you in the role of G-d to Pharaoh, with your brother Aaron as your prophet. You shall repeat all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh to let the Israelites depart from his land.” Like Moses, we are also vessels for Hashem on Earth. Through our speech and actions, we show the world our faith, obedience, and living example of G-d’s covenant. Also, like Moses, we can’t go it alone. It goes without saying that we have Hashem on our side, but we need an Aaron as well. Having one true friend is a great thing. A religious study partner will allow you to see another point of view, exposing you to something you may have otherwise missed. What kind of vessel are you being?