It’s ironic how the first parashah which describes Passover, and what month (Nissan) we Jewish people should forever count as the first month of our year, falls on the secular New Year.  In fact, there are four New Year markings on the Jewish calendar, and New Year’s for us is known as the New Year of Kings.  There is a lot to discuss about this alone, but that is not my intention for this commentary. 

        It is ironic a repeated intention of Adonai’s plagues upon the Egyptian people occurred so the world will understand there is only one G-d, how the Jewish people are G-d’s chosen, and if another group tries to, let’s say. . . injure, abuse, subdue, etc., us in any way, the offenders will receive the evil they sought to perpetrate ten times over on themselves.

        It is also ironic how Pharaoh, in Exodus 10:28, had the chutzpah to actually threaten Moses that if he ever sees his face again, he will kill him.  And we’re the stiff-necked people?!  Seriously, I do and don’t understand these two things simultaneously:  Pharaoh’s lack of belief in the power of  G-d, and that Moses was a prophet.  I believe it because it is human nature to be skeptical; as far as I’m concerned, however, after Moses prophesied the first three plagues, and was able to stop them immediately due to his connection with Adonai - which he explained every time - due to human nature, I believe Pharaoh’s obstinacy, however, and (in my mind) lack of belief at that point and after was truly ignorant.  By the way, I’d like to point out again (I’ve written about this before), that although Adonai hardened Pharaoh’s heart for some of the plagues, the proof that Pharaoh still had the ability to choose what decision to make (and that Adonai only strengthened Pharaoh’s own nature) derives from the following:  Adonai only hardened Pharaoh’s heart for some of the plagues, and Pharaoh himself would ask Moses to ask G-d for forgiveness, and Moses’ forgiveness, and please ask Adonai to stop this plague.  As soon as it ceased, however, Pharaoh changed his own mind.

        Take note too that in Exodus 10:7-11, G-d also hardened the hearts of Pharaoh’s servants, and still, they pleaded with Pharaoh to let us go.  Pharaoh agreed for a fraction of a second.  

        The Jewish people still commemorate the Exodus and the lessons learned every Passover, as was proscribed by Adonai in the Torah.  The fact remains (due to the lateness of the hour in which I am writing this, I don’t have time to research the proof, but if you e-mail me, I will be glad to find it again), the Torah is not the only record of this time in history!  I’d like to also point out this story was not edited out of the Christian Bible, nor the Koran.

        Despite any eyewitnesses at the time who passed down this historical event, societies and countries have repeatedly tried to annihilate us through the ages, and HELLO. . .WE ARE STILL HERE!!!!!  No other ancient peoples from biblical times exist anymore.  Not to mention, the people who try to destroy us as a group ALWAYS suffer the consequences of their evil themselves.  Yes, of course individual Jewish people have paid a high price, but Judaism lives, and the Jewish people as a group thrives.  For this reason alone - albeit there are a multitude of others - studying history and learning from it should be a priority for everyone.  I entitled this commentary “Karma” because karma is a broadly understood concept that describes what I am writing about.

        Adonai stated this multiple times in the Torah:  the reason for the 10 plagues was so there would be no doubt, forever after that moment, of the oneness of Adonai, and the chosenness of our people.  I would be remiss if I didn’t also include the fact that we each must actively participate in G-d’s commandments, and in the responsibilities Adonai requires of us.  A Jewish male simply being circumcised is hardly even close to earning this man’s own personal place amongst his people.  There is a lesson in this for parents who simply give and give to their children, without requiring any responsible action or positive participation in the community of their family and society.

        With regard to some of the current events taking place, and especially those concerning people who desire to annihilate us still, and rid our inherited land of Israel from us, isn’t it time to rethink your intentions?  Haven’t you learned yet?

    I’d love to know what you think!

   Shabbat Shalom!

Karma