Translated By Mrs. C.R. Benami
A miracle within a miracle.
That is how Rashi describes the seventh of the ten plagues in Egypt.
The plague of hail.
And how was that the case? The Torah tells us ‘ואש מתלקחת בתוך הברד - there were sparks of fire within each and every hailstone.’
So, what was the miracle?
Well, it is obvious. Fire melts ice, and water puts out fire, so there was that miracle within the miracle.
And this made a deep impression on Pharaoh, the King of Egypt.
He declared ‘חטאתי הפעם - on this occasion I have sinned’. ‘ה' הצדיק - Hashem Is right’. ‘ואני ועמי הרשעים - and I and my people are evil’.
Sadly, after that, he did change his mind.
But Pharaoh was taken by this extraordinary phenomenon of fire and water co-existing successfully. Emerging from this is an exceptionally powerful and timely message for us.
In the midst of a dark and tragic war, we currently have internal Jewish unity.
Let us guarantee that this will be preserved well beyond this war.
In addition, sometimes when it comes to the pursuit of peace, it seems simply unachievable for opponents, for different sides, for enemies to eventually achieve peace between each other.
And, yet the message of hailstones in Egypt is, that it is possible, for a miracle within a miracle to transpire.
Let us pray that ultimately that will be achieved, and we will enjoy peace with one and all, and let us join together to pray with all our hearts, for the great miracle we have witnessed - the release and safe return of the living hostages. With hearts full of thanks, we acknowledge His endless kindness and mercy, and we pray that those who have returned home find healing, strength, and peace after all they have endured.
We also continue to pray for the release of the one remaining hostage body and Divine Protection over our courageous IDF soldiers, police officers, medical teams, firefighters, ZAKA members, security forces, and every individual who stands in defense of our people - in Israel and throughout the world.
May all who are in need, be blessed with healing, yeshuot, shidduchim, children, and parnassah tova, and may we be blessed to have just continuous joy and to only go from one simcha through to the next, the most awesome, gorgeous, beautiful, peaceful, happy, healthy, amazing, relaxed, spiritual, sweet Shabbat and Chodesh Tov.
