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YOU are an anomaly.
Did you know that the fact that you exist appears to “defy nature”? According to sociological convention, as Jews, we shouldn’t be around anymore. We are a small peoples who have outlived great dynasties despite great adversities, and against all the odds. We have been exiled. Dispersed among the nations, hated by far too many, enslaved, scorned. We have been tried and tested time and time again, and yet we continue to persist in that doggedly determined way that only Am Yisrael really can. How is this possible?!
The answer lies in Parshat Va’eira. In this week’s parsha, Hashem reveals himself to Moshe and promise to redeem Bnei Yisrael from our bondage in Egypt. After giving Paroh the chance to release us and showing the Egyptians signs by way of Aharon and Moshe, Hashem sends the first seven of the ten plagues upon Mitzrayim. Despite everything from blood to boils, the parsha closes with Pharo’s heart hardening, and ” he would not let the children of Israel go; as G-d had said to Moses.” This pasuk is referring to the promise Hashem had made to us at the beginning of the Parsha that he would take us out of Egypt and make us a nation.
“VeLakachti Etchem Li LeAm,” “And I shall take you to Me for a nation” ( 6:7)
Why did Hashem say he would take us as His nation? Could He not have just said that He would take us out and give us the torah, as He did instead of promising to make us a nation?
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