Parashat Va’eira meaning“And He Appeared” (Exodus 6:2–9:35) continues the story of Israel's deliverance from bondage in Mitzrayim and describes the early stages of G-d's judgment upon Pharaoh and Mitzrayim. The parashah begins with G-d speaking to Moshe, reassuring him with His covenant promises. G-d reminds Moshe of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising to free the Israelites from slavery and bring them to the land He had sworn to their ancestors. G-d tells Moshe, “I am the L-rd; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians… and I will take you to be My people, and I will be your G-d” (Exodus 6:6–7). However, the Israelites, burdened by hard labor and despair, struggle to believe Moshe’ message (Exodus 6:9).

G-d then commands Moshe and Aharon to go before Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go. Although Moshe hesitates, reminding G-d of his faltering speech, G-d assures him that Aharon will serve as his spokesperson and that Pharaoh’s hardened heart will allow G-d to demonstrate His power through signs and wonders (Exodus 7:1–5).

The first series of plagues follows as G-d initiates His judgment upon Mitzrayim, each plague targeting elements of Egyptian life and religion:

• The Plague of Blood (Exodus 7:14–25): Aharon stretches out his staff over the Nile, and the water turns to blood, killing fish and making the water undrinkable. Despite this, Pharaoh’s heart remains hard, as his magicians replicate the miracle.

• The Plague of Frogs (Exodus 8:1–15): G-d commands Aharon to stretch out his hand, and frogs swarm Mitzrayim, entering houses and disrupting daily life. Pharaoh pleads with Moshe to remove the frogs, promising to release the Israelites. However, once the frogs are removed, Pharaoh reneges on his promise.

• The Plague of Lice (Exodus 8:16–19): Aharon strikes the dust with his staff, and Lice infest Mitzrayim. Pharaoh’s magicians attempt to replicate this plague but fail, acknowledging, “This is the finger of G-d.” Nonetheless, Pharaoh’s heart remains unmoved.

• The Plague of Flies (Exodus 8:20–32): Swarms of flies cover Mitzrayim, yet miraculously spare the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live. Pharaoh offers to let the Israelites worship within Mitzrayim, but Moshe insists they must leave. Pharaoh agrees but changes his mind once the flies are removed.

• The Plague on Livestock (Exodus 9:1–7): G-d sends a devastating plague upon the Egyptian livestock, sparing the livestock of the Israelites. Yet Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened, and he refuses to let the people go.

• The Plague of Boils (Exodus 9:8–12): Moshe and Aharon take handfuls of soot and scatter it toward the sky, causing painful boils to break out on the Egyptians and their animals. Pharaoh’s magicians cannot stand before Moshe due to the boils, but Pharaoh’s stubbornness persists.

• The Plague of Hail (Exodus 9:13–35): G-d sends Moshe to warn Pharaoh of an unprecedented hailstorm, instructing the Egyptians to bring their livestock and servants indoors for protection. Those who fear G-d’s word follow the warning, while others leave their servants and livestock exposed. The hail devastates Mitzrayim, destroying crops and shattering trees, but Goshen is spared. Pharaoh admits his sin and promises to release the Israelites, but once the storm ceases, he hardens his heart again.

Through each plague, G-d demonstrates His power, not only to the Egyptians but also to the Israelites, reinforcing His identity as the true G-d of Israel. He declares, “So that you may know that there is none like Me in all the earth” (Exodus 9:14). Despite Pharaoh’s continued resistance, each plague draws Israel one step closer to liberation, setting the stage for the final confrontations between Moshe and Pharaoh that will ultimately lead to Israel’s deliverance.