THE FROG AND PHARAOH

בס "ד

A Lesson from the Rebbe on the Plague of Frogs

Introduction

This blog is based on a lesson by Rabbi Tuvia Serber on Parashat Va’eira, where the Rebbe discusses the plague of frogs.

The full lesson is incredibly insightful, and it’s highly recommended to watch the video on YouTube for the complete explanation.

Why the Frog?

At first glance, the plague of frogs seems small and insignificant. Yet, the Midrash explains:

“Had it not been for the frog, how would G-d have punished the Egyptians?”

🔹 The frog was not the first plague; blood, hail, and the death of the firstborn were far more severe.
🔹 Still, the frog had a unique role: it shattered Pharaoh’s denial of G-d.

The Purpose of the Plagues

The plagues were more than punishment; they were a way to reveal Divine presence:

• “And the Egyptians shall know that I am the L-rd.”
• Each plague addressed a different aspect of Egypt’s denial of G-d.
• Because Pharaoh’s denial was unique, it required a unique plague.

Three Types of Denial

The Rebbe identifies three ways nations deny G-d:

1. “G-d of G-ds” – acknowledges G-d as supreme, but not as the source of everything.
2. “I made myself” – sees oneself as completely independent, like Pharaoh.
3. Complete denial – denies G-d’s existence entirely, like Sennacherib.

Notably, Pharaoh’s stance was the most dangerous. He dismissed G-d as unnecessary:

“I exist on my own; I made myself.”

Three Types of Creatures

The plagues also reflect these approaches in creation:

The Frog is Pharaoh

• The frog represents Pharaoh himself: seemingly useless, without visible purpose.
• Yet, the frog became a messenger of G-d, fully carrying out the Divine mission.
• Through the frog, Pharaoh had to recognize that his existence does not come from himself, but from G-d.

Conclusion

The plague of frogs demonstrates that nothing in creation is meaningless:

• Even that which appears pointless serves a Divine purpose.
• Pharaoh thought G-d was redundant, but the frog revealed that everything derives from G-d.
• For us: even moments or aspects of life that seem “pointless” can reveal G-d’s presence in the greatest way.

Tip: To experience the lesson in full depth, watch Rabbi Serber’s video on YouTube.-d bless us all with a good and sweet year: with revealed good, abundant health, livelihood, joy, and children.

With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the shiur and the feedback.

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