A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov on Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Vaera
L’ma’an Sapper Shmi
The devastation of Mitzrayim during the 10 plagues left the Egyptian landscape changed forever. Clearly the purpose of the makkos was not merely the exodus of Klal Yisrael from the tyrannical rule of Pharoah. After all, Hashem could have just escorted all the Jews out of Egypt in one fell swoop. What then was the objective of the 10 -step staged destruction of Egypt, its culture and people?
The Kli Yakar explains that the makkos were to provide a tikkun for the lack of emuna which was pervasive in the Mitzri culture. Pharoah denied Hashem’s existence and omnipotence. Pharoah tells Moshe, “I know not of Hashem, nor will I listen to Him.” Yet, as each plague descends upon Egypt, Pharaoh and the Mitzriyim are systematically and progressively shown that Hashem Hu HaElokim, bashamayim u’varetz! They have no choice but to recognize His hashgacha over all. As the Yad Hashem becomes ever clear with each and every plague the ultimate goal of the ten makkos is realized until it climaxes with the declaration l’maan saper Shmi.
Ultimately, Pharaoh and his people are taught that it is not merely enough to acknowledge the Ribbono Shel Olam’s presence in this world. We must do our best ”l’ma’an sapper Shmi”- in order to proclaim His reality to all. Eventually the Egyptians got the point. Klal Yisrael is ejected from the throes of their servitude. Geula is at hand.
However, this lesson was not meant for the Mitzrim alone. It is really intended for us. With the revelation of Sinai close at hand, Hakadosh Baruch Hu was paving the way for the true purpose of geula; to become an “ohr la’amim,” a light to all nations. The soon to be experienced Matan Torah, would gift us with the tools for Kiddush Shem Shamayim, enabling us to be His ambassadors for kedusha in this world. Our awareness of l’ma’an sapper Shimi and our commitment to implementing that attitude in each aspect of our lives, 24/7, is the final step in the preparatory process for redemption. It is an opportunity and responsibility for every ben and bas Yisrael which can bring the geula closer each day.
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