In the story of the seventh plague, hail, Pharaoh finally admits he was wrong after seeing hail mixed with fire from the sky—a strange and powerful miracle. This moment shows us that even someone as stubborn and self-centered as Pharaoh can have a moment of realization. The mix of fire and ice in the hail represents Pharaoh's personality: cold and unfeeling towards others but fiery and passionate about his own needs.

The reason the plague was hail is significant too. Egypt didn't depend on rain because of the Nile River, so they never looked up and depended on something higher than themselves. This is like Pharaoh's narcissism, where he only depended on himself and never considered a higher power or the needs of others.

However, Pharaoh's realization was short-lived, teaching us that overcoming deep-seated selfishness requires more than just a moment of clarity. It needs a fundamental change in how one views themselves and their place in the world.

Takeaways:

1. Self-reflection is crucial: Even the most stubborn person can have moments of clarity. It's important to reflect on our actions and consider their impact on others.
2. Empathy over ego: The story teaches the importance of caring for others, not just ourselves. Being aware of others' feelings and needs helps us grow as individuals.
3. The role of humility: Recognizing a higher power or something greater than ourselves can help combat selfishness. It's a reminder that we're not the center of the universe.
4. Change takes time: True change in character and perspective is not instantaneous; it requires continuous effort and humility.

By learning from Pharaoh's mistake, we're reminded to stay empathetic, humble, and open to change, ensuring we don't fall into the trap of self-obsession.

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Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
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I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
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Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way!  https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
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Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way!  https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way!  https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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The Exodus from Egypt was not just a historical event—it was a revolution in human consciousness. Moses didn’t only break the physical chains of slavery; he shattered the psychological and spiritual limitations that kept humanity in bondage. This class explores how the Exodus introduced the language of freedom, inspiring revolutions, civil rights movements, and personal transformation throughout history. We will uncover how the lessons of Pesach continue to empower us to break free from limitations, redefine our identities, and pursue a life of purpose and growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Slavery is a Mentality: The true bondage in Egypt was not just physical but a deeply ingrained mindset of submission and despair.
2. The Power of Language: Moses introduced a new vocabulary of freedom, instilling in humanity the idea that change is possible.
3. Exodus as a Blueprint: The story of the Exodus has fueled countless movements for justice, from the American Revolution to the Civil Rights movement.
4. Personal Redemption: Every time we overcome fear, bad habits, or societal expectations, we reenact the Exodus in our own lives.
5. Pesach as an Eternal Spring: Just as Passover must always fall in spring, the message of renewal, hope, and transformation is timeless.

#Passover #Judaism #Pesach #Moses #freedom #personalgrowth #personalresponsibility #civilrights #humandignity #Redemption #chabad #Rabbi #jewishholiday 

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Learn More About Passover http://www.jewishndg.com/passover
Chabad NDG Passover 2024 http://www.jewishndg.com/seder
You can sponsor a needy person or family this Passover. They need your support, it goes a long way!  https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=9
I made a special Haggadah that will help you go through the Seder step-by-step by yourself without any previous knowledge of the ability to read Hebrew. https://www.jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1153/hmhQ11536358.pdf
If you would like to sell your Chametz for the privacy of your own home http://www.jewishndg.com/holidays/passover/sell_chometz_cdo/jewish/Sell-Your-Chametz-Online.htm

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Plato argued that reality is found in perfect, unchanging ideals, while the physical world is merely a flawed reflection. Chassidic thought challenges this notion, asserting that G-d’s presence is found precisely in the imperfect, physical world. Through the lens of this debate, we explored how this idea impacts our relationships, personal growth, and spiritual journey—showing that meaning and divine purpose emerge from engaging with reality as it is, rather than escaping to an idealized version of it.Key Takeaways:

• Plato’s philosophy separates the ideal from the real, placing truth in abstract perfection.
• Kabbalah teaches that G-d’s presence is in the here and now, within life’s imperfections.
• The Torah’s repetition of the Mishkan’s construction emphasizes that holiness is not in a divine blueprint but in human action.
• Growth, relationships, and meaning are found in embracing life’s struggles, not escaping them.
• True beauty is not perfection—it’s the courage to build something holy in an imperfect world.

Notes: 

See Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, The Dignity of Difference, for a detailed explanation of this idea of Plato and its impact on Western thought.

"G-d desired a dwelling in the lowly realms" (Midrash Tanchuma, Nasso 16);  "This is what man is all about, this is the purpose of his creation and of the creation of all worlds, supernal and ephemeral" (Tanya, chapter 36).

#Kabbalah #Judaism #Plato #Rabbi #chabad #Jewish #Bible #BibleStudy #Torah #TorahPortion #TorahLessons #Vayakhel #ParshatVayakhel

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