Shemos Exile and Redemption (076) In the beginning and in the end, the difference. When the Yidden left Mitzrayim they were like sons of a father, where all are redeemed (even sinners), unless they refuse to be. When Moshiach comes, we will be chosen. Choice is only about the chooser, and not the chosen at…

Vaeira Exile and Redemption (101) In the aftermath of מכת ברד (for the first time) we find the Pharaoh being remorseful and even penitent. The way the מכת ברד ended reveals levels in the תשובה that the Pharaoh was thinking to do. Did he do the equivalent of תשובה עילעא or only of תשובה תתאה.

VaEra Exile and Redemption (083) After Moshe shows up things only get worse. Why and what Hashem expects of Moshe in admonishing him for asking (very good) questions.

VaEra Exile and Redemption (082) Introduction to the Sicha on למה הרעותה. The three ways Moshe met the Pharaoh. כה אמר הוי’… לא ידעתי את הוי’ה. אלוקים מול הוי’ה טבע מול נס. Egypt’s Parnassa is from the earth, Eretz Yisroel is fed from heaven. Pharaoh tries to show that all that Moshe does is from…

Vaeira Exile and Redemption (094) The first two plagues represent parallel yet opposite ideas: Dam- Blood is to warm Egypt from its natural coldness to holiness, and to be warmed by it. Tzfardea- Frogs were to cool off Egypt’s passions to worldliness. Here the order (is atypical:) first from the top down and then from…

VaEra Exile and Redemption (088) Three levels of understanding the (need for) the Makkos: 1) To get Yidden out of Egypt. That would not happen until Egypt got to know Hashem, this is the reason Hashem needed to punish Egypt. 2) To educate Egypt about Hashem for Egypt’s sake. 3) To give Yidden a deeper…

Shemos Exile and Redemption (079)(080) Two reasons for Jews to get the wealth they took from Egypt: 1) To punish Egypt. 2) To reward them. This latter reason requires it to be given with benevolence.

Shemos Exile and Redemption (079) The wealth must come to the Jews in a way that pleases Avrohom Avinu.

Vaeira Exile and Redemption (100) A unique characteristic of מכת שחין was that it was performed in a way that could be seen as natural. This is part of how Hashem taught Egypt about Himself.

Vaeira Exile and Redemption (084) Moshe complains (and he is right). But Hashem explains that the only way to get הוי’ה on the level above all constraints.