Responding to Plagues

Parshat Bo describes the final three plagues in Egypt: locusts, darkness, death of the firstborn. Torah talks about the impact of the plagues on the Egyptians and on the Israelites. But Torah doesn't tell us anything about the reactions of the surrounding nations.

We might create a little midrash on Parshat Bo and imagine the response in surrounding countries. People probably had all kinds of opinions about how Pharaoh got the country into this mess with his obstinate and repressive policies. And yet, they likely recognized that the suffering of the Egyptians deserved a response. Placing their judgments aside, perhaps they offered financial aid, expert help, political lobbying.

So it is today with situations of large-scale suffering. Haiti: Pundits blame Haiti's corrupt government and legacy of slavery for the widespread devastation. Darfur: They blame the rebel factions, the African Union, the United Nations for the weakness of the peacekeeping effort. Vancouver: They blame profit-hungry corporations for the financial drain on social services caused by the Olympics.

But in situations of suffering, we set aside these judgments, and reach out to help in ways we are able. Please review the tikkun olam opportunities and choose a way to help. The Jewish Federation calls us to help in Haiti. Canadian Jewish Congress reminds us this week to keep Darfur on our political and fundraising lists. And our own eyes call our hearts to be active locally. Please make this midrash on Parshat Bo come alive!

Return to Reb Laura's "Taste of Torah" list.

Return to "Teachings from Our Rabbis and Friends" list.

[ Home ]	[ Asiyah ]	[ Yetzirah ]	[ Briyah ]	[ Atzilut ]	[ Calendar ]
	( Doing )	( Feeling )	( Knowing )	( Being )