BISHALACH 79

The Netziv in Ha'amek Davar notes a simple change in the language of one of the p'sukim in this week's parsha. When the Yidden complained about not having water they said למה זה העליתנו...להמית אותי... "Why did this one raise us from the land of Egypt, to kill me?"

The Netziv explains that these Jews understood that Moshe took them out to live life on another plain of existence. To live above the norms of טבע. (As they said העליתנו) However, they felt that this may be ok for the general Klall, but they themselves did not feel up to this madreigah. Perhaps the Yidden could live in the desert without water for years and therefore they could not speak for the klall. But as a yachid, each of these people could speak for themselves to say that they are not up to this task.

However their own words were a self – fulfilling prophecy. In truth, of course there are Jews on very different levels. But what they were not aware of, or what they chose to not notice, was their focus on their being a yechidim, apart from the klall. The Rasha in the Haggadah is criticized not for his sins, but לפי שהוציא את עצמו מן הכלל . The tzadikim don't run an exclusive club. It's up to the simple folk to include themselves and bond with tzadikim on whatever level they are on. Just don't think you're different!

We all sometimes feel that – oh, that level of honesty in business, that level of midos, tznius, hasmadah, shmiras einayim, lashon horah, - (whatever!) is not for me. "I'm not holding there." That may be true, but there is a way to raise the bar – Don't exclude yourself. Join the club.

When the aravah is bound to, and taken with the lulav, in some manner it gets more credit than the Esrog! It is taken in the right hand and the bracha is made al netilas lulav!

So if you're feeling down, it may feel a bit uncomfortable to be a tail of a lion, but don't look at yourself so much! Look at the rest of the people you are with and you'll become the pride of the lions!

Va'eira Pier Pressure

While Moshe's Staff becomes a pretty useful tool in the miracles he performs, we find in this parsha the strange and unique phenomena of the staff itself actually transforming into another form or entity. It turns into a serpent. This is Moshe's first miraculous introduction to Pharaoh in the name of Hashem. Pharaoh himself is referred to as the great serpent of the Nile in the Haftorah of this week's parsha. Another matter to note is why did Pharaoh feel the need to bring in not only his sorcerers, but his wise men , wife's, and even children to disprove the miracle and ridicule it? Could he not have done this 'simple trick' himself? was it just to add insult to Moshe or was there something else behind it?

Yechezkel HaNavi prophecies about Egypt's punishment for presenting themselves as a strong support for Israel to rely on, only to snap and break the shoulder of the one who leans on it. Pharaoh is compared to great sea serpent who will be pulled out of its waters together with all its fish that are caught and stuck in her scales. They will be thrown on the desert floor and scattered only to be eaten by birds of prey and wild animals.  

 

I believe this Haftorah gives a new perspective of Pharaoh. Since when do fish get caught in the scales of another larger sea creature? Only if the the smaller fish are actually going in the SAME direction as the large one AND FASTER.

Pharaoh was not the great giant King of the Sea that he made himself to be. Perhaps this is what is meant when the medrash that Pharaoh was  a midget. He had no stature. No height. He had no "backbone". No Independence. He couldn't privately disprove Moshe with the knowledge that truthfully Moshe's miracle was real. He could only argue with a crowd supporting his shallow laughter. He needed the whole school of fish behind him for him to feel like "headmaster". This is why Moshe's supporting staff turned itself into a legless creature symbolizing Pharaoh himself. This is why his punishment is described by Yechezkel as being scattered on the floor and then left alone and desolate for forty years. 

A true leader is supported by Hashem and with the focus and knowledge that his actions are true. He doesn't need to rely on the support of his peers. He is a true "headmaster" who can swim against the current while his  entire "school" slides smoothly by him in the opposite direction - downstream.

Maran zatzal was such a leader. He was bold to say what was true even to the greatest philanthropist. He dared to challenge any "baleh bayis'' to learn more. And while many thought he would never gain a following, he became a revered and beloved leader to all, gaining the respect of those he fearlessly challenged. 

Don't give in to the school's "pier pressure". Be a true headmaster.     

[Drashos HaRan says that Moshe is labeled the most humble of all men because he also could be tough to stand up against his own people when need be. Whereas Aharon "gave in" to them by the eigel because he lacked that tough great leadership - it was a softness of heart and true humility.]