R' Nasan Maimon - Parshat VaEira Highlight Clip. Why were there ten makos (plagues)? Why didn’t Hashem finish off the Egyptians at once? What’s the message, for us today, of this gradual process? The ten plagues elevated Bnei Yisrael to increasing levels of yirah – awe and respect for Hashem. Similarly, the frightening things in our own times bring us greater awareness of Hashem‘s power and His love for us. The main thing is: to keep begging Him for protection and aitza tova – good counsel.