15 Questions
What was the purpose of Aharon throwing his stick in front of Pharaoh?
To prove Hashem's power as a sign to Pharaoh.
What is the main message of the story about Rabbi Yisrael Salanter and the cup of coffee?
Gratitude should be extended to all aspects of life, not just the basic necessities
Who was told to bring the first three plagues?
Aaron was told to bring each of the plagues
What might seem strange about who was told to bring each of the plagues?
It may seem strange that Aaron, not Moshe, was told to bring the plagues.
What reason does Rashi give for who brought on the first three plagues?
Because the Nile River had shielded Moshe when he was a baby and the sand had been used to conceal the body of the Egyptian taskmaster, so Aaron performed the plagues as an act of gratitude
What happened to Aharon's stick after the Egyptian magicians duplicated the miracle?
It swallowed up the Egyptians' snakes.
What is the lesson about הכרת הטוב (Gratitude) that can be learned from Rabba bar Mari's answer to Rava?
One should show appreciation for the good they have received from others
How can one express hakarat hatov (gratitude) in daily life, according to the Mekorot?
By recognizing and appreciating the good things in life, no matter how small they may seem
What is the significance of the phrase 'If there is a well that you drank from, do not throw a stone into it' in the context of gratitude?
It teaches us to show appreciation for the good we have received from others
In what way can one develop a 'Gratitude Attitude' in life, according to Rabbi Yisrael Salanter's story?
By recognizing and appreciating the small details and blessings in life
According to Ben Zoma, who is considered rich?
One who is happy with what they have
What was the pattern of Pharaoh's response to the plagues?
He would agree to free the Jews during the plague, but change his mind once it ended.
Why did Pharaoh's heart remain stubborn despite the miracles?
Because he refused to listen to Moshe and acknowledge Hashem's power.
What does the concept of gratitude mean to you?
Gratitude means appreciating and being thankful for what others have done for you.
Can you think of any examples where you may have shown gratitude in your life?
Examples may include thanking a parent for a gift or a teacher for their help.
Study Notes
The Story of the 10 Plagues
- After Hashem's encounter with Moshe at the burning bush, Moshe and his brother Aharon went to visit Pharaoh to ask him to free the Bnei Yisrael from slavery.
- Aharon threw his stick in front of Pharaoh, and it turned into a snake as proof of Hashem's power.
- Pharaoh's magicians managed to do likewise, but Aharon's stick swallowed up the Egyptians' snakes.
- Despite this, Pharaoh's heart remained stubborn, and he refused to free the Bnei Yisrael.
The 10 Plagues
- Hashem told Moshe that He would send plagues to punish the Egyptians and convince Pharaoh to free the slaves.
- During each plague, Pharaoh agreed to free the Jews, but when it ended, he changed his mind, and another plague was sent.
Exploring the Text
- In the pasukim (verses), Hashem instructs Moshe to tell Aharon to perform the first three plagues:
- The first plague: turning the waters of Egypt into blood (Exodus 7:19)
- The second plague: bringing up frogs on the land of Egypt (Exodus 7:1)
- The third plague: striking the dust of the earth to become lice throughout Egypt (Exodus 8:12)
- Rashi commentary: Aharon performed the first three plagues because the Nile River protected Moshe when he was a baby, and Hashem did not want Moshe to perform the plagues that would harm the river.
Gratitude
- The concept of gratitude (Hakarat HaTov) is discussed in the text, with a focus on appreciating the good things in life.
- According to Ben Zoma, one who is happy with their lot is considered rich (Pirkei Avot 4:1).
- Rabbi Yisrael Salanter's story about the expensive cup of coffee illustrates the importance of appreciating the entire experience, not just the physical item.
- The story highlights the blessing of Shehakol, which acknowledges the Creator's role in providing everything, including the background music, decor, and china.
Additional Ideas about Gratitude
- The video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovj5dzMxzmc provides additional ideas about gratitude.
- The Gemara's question about not throwing a stone into a well that you drank from teaches us to appreciate the good things we have received from others and not to harm them (Rava and Rabba bar Mari).
- Developing a "Gratitude Attitude" can be achieved by:
- Reflecting on the blessings in our lives
- Expressing gratitude to others for the good they have done for us
- Appreciating the entire experience, not just the physical item
Test your knowledge about the biblical story of Moshe and Aharon's encounter with Pharaoh, including the miracles and Pharaoh's stubborn response. Learn about this pivotal moment in the Israelites' journey to freedom.
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