Parshat Va’eira
by Gabi Gelbart

In This week’s parsha, Va’eira, we see a lot of repetition of the numbers ten and four. I’d like to discuss the numbers and what they represent.

In the middle of the Parsha, Hashem describes the four ways that he will take Bnei Yisrael out of Mitzrayim: V’hotzti, V’Hitzalti, V’Galti and V’lakachti (Shmot 6:6-7). These two psukim contain four different expressions because each describes a different stage in the process of redemption. According to Rabbeinu Bachaya, each of these expressions corresponds to the four cups of wine at the Pesach seder.

The first expression: V’htoziti means “I will take you out.” This means that even if Hashem would not have taken us out, he would have eneded our slavery to the Mitzrim.

The second expression: V’Hitzalti means “I shall rescue you.” To be rescued is to remove the problem altogether, to have the danger gone. Hashem here is telling us that we would leave Mitzrayim.

The third expression: V’Galti means “I will redeem you.” The word redemption signifies removing the effects of the problem. Hashem wants to remove our slave mentality. Only when that occurs can we become a suucessful independent nation that can lead the world.

The final expression: V’lakachti means “I shall take you.”When Hashem chose us as a nation, it gave us a purpose and a visionthat allowed us to receive the Torah at Har Sinai. This was the climax and the ultimate purpose of the exodus.
Each of these four expressions can be compared tot the four stages of Tshuva that Bnei Yisrael were required to do in order to accept the Torah.

1. Problem solving – resolve to never perform that aveira again.
2. Rescue – Do not put yourself in that particular situation again.
3. Remove the effects – return the stolen object, for example.
4. Positive actions – look for an opportunity to perform a positive activity that removes the desire for the aveira. Turn the negative into a positive

Hashem’s name, which he uses with Moshe for the first time, is spelled Yud-Hey-Vav-Hey. This name changes the relationship that Bnei Yirael have with Hashem. The avot only related to one aspect of the infinite, while Moshe and Bnei Yisrael will also have a connection to the four letter name. Until this point we related to Hashem through din (strict justice). From now on, we can also relate to him through rachamim (love and mercy). The whole concept of redemption and tshuva are expressions of Hashem’s love and mercy.

The number ten is very important in Judaism: a minyan, ten utterances of creation, ten attributes in Kabbalah, and of course the ten makkot. Like the other tens in the Torah, the ten makkot can also be reduced conceptually. This is why this week’s parsha has seven of the ten makkot and the next parsha, Bo, has the final three.

The process of redemption and the process of tshuva can both be done with three steps, but the fourth – positive action – adds permanence to the previous steps. When you stop and prevent evil in the world, you are doing the will of Hashem. But when you also include something positive, you areemulating Hashem’s actions. This is why the the number ten is represented by the letter Yud and four by the letter Daled – yud and daled spell Yad: for Hashem took us out with a strong hand.

May we all merit to be taken out with a Yad Chazakah to the final redemption.

Shabbat Shalom.