Parshat Va’era

Crocodile of Hope

When Moshe and Aharon approach Paroh to ask for freedom for the Israelite slaves, they offer a miraculous sign. Aharon throws down his staff and it becomes a tannin - some kind of sea dragon. Paroh's magicians throw down their staffs, which also become taninim. Then Aharon's "staff" swallows all the other "staffs."

Of all the magical creatures in the world, why did the staffs become taninim? The prophet Yechezkel gives a three-layer answer in an oracle.

"God says, "I'm higher than you, Paroh, tannin of the Nile, who says, 'I created the Nile and it belongs to me!'" (Yechezkel 29:3)

Ancient Egyptian myths teach that the crocodile god Sobek created and rules the Nile River. Paroh identifies with Sobek. Believing himself sole creator and ruler of his environment -- Egypt's economy - he is free to ignore human suffering. God says, "You who identify with the tannin, repent! Because, like the ancient giant taninim, you too can become extinct."

According to Midrash, the battle of the taninim in Paroh's court is a dramatic morality play. But the play is not intended for Paroh, who won't repent no matter what he sees. The play is intended for Moshe, to teach him that change is possible. Moshe should dare to hope, persevere, ignore social convention, gather his strength and take courage.

A message for us: When we accomplish something unexpected, unusual, or amazing, no matter how small, we should allow ourselves to be inspired with courage and hope. May 2011 be an amazing year.

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