When Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh and his court to demand the release of the Israelite slaves they proved the might of the G-d of Israel by throwing down Moses' staff which turned into a serpent. As impressive as this may be to me or you, Pharaoh and his courtiers were not impressed. To the contrary, Moses and Aaron became laughingstocks. The Midrash Rabba comments:

"At that moment, Pharaoh began laughing at them and clucking at them like a hen, saying to them: ‘Are these the signs of your God? The way of the world is that people bring merchandise to a place that needs it. Do they bring fish brine to Spain, fish to Akko? Do you not know that all sorcery is in my control?’ Immediately, he sent and brought children from their schools, and they too performed this [wonder]."

According to the Midrash Moses responds as follows:

"To a city of vegetables, you bring vegetables."

Moses counters Pharaoh's logic essentially saying, if the city is famous for its vegetables, then this is where people will flock to buy them. Hence it is wise to bring your merchandise to the city that attracts purchasers of such merchandise. But of course, there is a deeper message. Immediately after, Moses staff swallows the staffs of Pharaoh's sorcerers and school children, sending the message that the power behind this wonder was not black magic or sorcery but the power of G-d that controls all other powers.

G-d didn't want to destroy Egypt and free the Israelites with a one-time miraculous act. Miracles are impressive but don't allow for change or process within the individual. To put it candidly, The awe inspiring effect of miracles wears off.

G-d, and hence His messenger Moses wanted Pharaoh, Egypt and the world to undergo a meaningful transformation. This is why Moses brought "sorcery" to the center of sorcery. He wanted to speak their language, meet them where they were and through a process of learning and internal change learn about the existence and power of the Creator of the World and His message of morality for the people of His world.

It's my hope and prayer, that after the eradication of Hamas and the uprooting of their Nazi like antisemitic propaganda spoon-fed to Gazans since Kindergarten, a new education can begin that can bring peace, respect and prosperity to our peoples through a bottom-up approach used by G-d and Moses.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Zushe Cunin