Image: Egyptian tomb painting. Photo by Souza_DF/Pixabay.
Parashat Va’era (Exodus 6:2 – 9:35) continues the saga of the struggle between God and Pharaoh. It deals with Moses’ feelings of inadequacy, the obstinacy of Pharaoh, and the first seven plagues.
The story of Exodus has had deep resonance for people in time of trouble. Enslaved people in each generation have seized upon it for hope.
Beyond the familiar story, what can we learn from this portion of the Torah? Here are some contemporary divrei Torah that explore parashat Va’era:
A Message for Moses and America: “Never Give Up” by Rabbi Peretz Wolf-Prusan
Take a Deep Breath by Rabbi David Ackerman
Elisheva: Challenging the patriarchal structure with her mixed feelings by Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild
Earning Our Luck by Rabbi Marc Katz
Sight Words by Anita Silvert
Executive Orders Based on Fear Won’t Work. Ask Pharaoh. by Rabbi Seth Goldstein
The Moral and Historical Imperatives of Exodus by Rabbi Jason Strauss
