This week, we witnessed the joyous release of three Jewish hostages who were held by Hamas for longer than 470 days. It’s natural to wonder: why don’t these evil people return all the hostages to their families? Why wait? Once they saw Israel’s response to their actions in Gaza, why didn’t they release all the hostages immediately to avoid their own further suffering?
We each have our perspective on this 470+day question. But for now, let’s reflect on a historical parallel. This is not the first time that evil people chose destruction over surrender.
This week’s Torah portion, Va’eira, recounts the story of Pharaoh enslaving the Jewish people and G-d sending the first of the ten plagues. The same question arises: As the Egyptians suffered through one plague after another, why didn’t Pharaoh let the Jews go? Why endure so much needless suffering and pain?
The Torah explains that while Pharaoh may have wanted to release the Jews, G-d hardened his heart, preventing him from doing so. But why? What purpose did this extended suffering serve? How did it benefit the Jews or the Egyptians?
To understand, we must look deeper. The plagues were meant to teach three essential lessons:
1. G-d’s omnipotence.
2. G-d’s control over the universe.
3. G-d’s ability to alter the natural order at His will.
These lessons were not just for the Egyptians but for the Jews as well. The sooner both sides internalized these truths, the sooner the desired outcome could be achieved. In Egypt, this process took about a year.
Today, it feels as though G-d is hardening the hearts of Hamas, just as He did with the Egyptians. As we reflect on this, we must learn from the past to help shape the future.
We have the power to ensure things do not continue to drag on unnecessarily. By improving our own Jewish lives and those of our friends and communities, we can help bring about the freedom and peace we so deeply desire.
Sometimes, it may be that one more mitzvah is all it takes to tip the scales.
Shabbat Shalom
ב"ה