Sarah and Jason discuss Vaera, the fourteenth portion of the Torah, which begins the book of Exodus and covers the Israelites enslavement in Egypt, Moses’ birth and adoption, and his conversation with G-d at the burning bush. Why is there a threshold of suffering for G-d to intervene? Why does G-d harden Pharoah’s heart and make the freeing of the Israelites more difficult? And is that justifiable?

Browse the chapters below:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:18) Comments from Last Week

(5:06) Portion Summary 

(11:00) Discussion Begins - Repetitive Interlude

(13:28) G-d Hears Israelites Suffering

(19:40) Let My People Go (so that they may worship me)

(22:12) Our favorite plagues

(25:36) Dueling Deities

(30:39) G-d hardens Pharoah’s heart 

(38:38) Sponsorship and Wrap-Up