Be a mensch!

The Torah portion of Va’eira has within it Seven of the 10 plagues. Moses, messenger of Gd, is busy bringing down these terrifying plagues on Pharaoh’s Egypt. Yet, interestingly, he calls upon his brother Aaron to be the agent for the first three plagues–Blood, Frogs and Lice. Why did Moses not do it himself as he would do the others?

The Midrash, quoted by Rashi, teaches us that this is because it was through the agency of the waters of the Nile River that Moses was saved as an infant when he was put in the basket. It would have been insensitive and inappropriate for him to strike those very waters in order to bring on plagues. Seeing as the Blood and the Frogs both dealt directly with the water, it was Aaron who stuck the water rather than Moses. Similarly with the third plague of Lice. The lice came from out of the ground and the earth, too, had helped Moses to cover the body of the Egyptian taskmaster he had killed defending the Jewish slave. Therefore, it would have been wrong for Moses to strike the earth and so for this plague, too, Aaron was the agent.

What a monumental lesson to each of us on the importance of gratitude. Firstly, do water and earth have feelings? Would they know the difference if they were struck and who was doing the striking? How much more so should we be considerate of human beings when they have done us a kindness. How scrupulous we ought to be not to offend people, especially those who have come to our assistance.

Secondly, Moses was 80 years old at the time of the plagues. These incidents with the water and earth occurred when he was a mere infant and when he was a very young man. And yet, all these years later he is still sensitive not to strike the objects that had helped him. He did not say as so many have after him, “So what have you done for me lately?”

There are a number of theories as to why human beings seem to have this psychological need to tarnish the image of their past benefactors. Perhaps it is because we are inherently uncomfortable with the notion of being indebted to anyone. It cramps our style and diminishes our independence. So, if we find fault with those who have helped us previously, we absolve ourselves of any moral indebtedness. Now we’re even. I don’t owe you anything anymore.

The Torah is teaching us not only religious ritual but how to be better people–more sensitive and yes, eternally grateful human beings.

The Rabbinically Speaking column is provided as a public service by the Jewish Press in cooperation with the Pinellas County Board of Rabbis. Columns are assigned, on a rotating basis by the board.