Although procrastination is a typical human trait, when one is faced with a challenge or is in a dangerous situation, he innately switches gears and proactively springs into action to defend and protect himself and others.
In this week’s Parsha, the Pharoh was warned before the seven plagues that they will terrify, cripple, injure and kill the Egyptians and their livestock and destroy their land. Yet at each juncture, Pharoh refused to give in and release the Jews.
As a leader, Pharoh failed miserably. He believed in himself and considered himself a deity. He worshiped the Nile, and his self-centeredness led him to make wrong decisions to his detriment and that of his nation.
The Medrash teaches us that the progression of the plagues that G-d smote the Egyptians, correspond to the way one nation attacks another. First they hit and disable the water supply. Therefore G-d hit the Nile and their water systems with the plague of blood. This was also a message to Pharoh that the Nile that he worshipped is also under the power of G-d.
The second plague was frogs that invaded Egypt. Their croaking was deafening, similar to the frightening noise of an attacking army.
The stubborn Pharoh endured this plague and punishment for six days before finally calling to Moshe to pray to G-d to stop the plague. Before Moshe prayed, he asked Pharoh when he wanted the plague of frogs to end. Pharoh said, “Machor – tomorrow.” Moshe immediately prayed that the plague should end the next day.
Now, let me ask you, “Why didn’t Pharoh ask him to pray that it stop right away? After all, his nation was suffering; why did he pass at the opportunity to end their misery right then and there?”
An answer given is that Pharoh convolutedly thought that perhaps Moshe only had access to the powers of the occult which would only allow him to end the plague at that particular point in time. He therefore asked Moshe to pray now that the plague should end the next day, for if this would happen, it would prove that the plague ended because of his prayers. This is exactly what happened, yet the Pharoh refused to give in.
This approach of putting things off until the next day occurred during other plagues as well. Pharoh was the epitome of procrastination due to his extreme stubbornness. This was self-destructive and showed a tremendous weakness on his part.
We, as Jews, approach each waking day with a declaration of, Modeh Ani Lefonecha – I gratefully thank You, O living and eternal King, for You have returned my soul within me with compassion – abundant is Your faithfulness.
From our first moment of consciousness, we live for the day and try to maximize our potential that day.
We have our set Tefilos – prayers; morning, evening and night. Each Tefilla has a set time when it should be prayed.
Before we eat food, we turn our attention to the One who provided it for us and we recite a blessing before and after.
The Mishnah in Ethics of our Father quotes the famous sage, Hillel, “Do not say, ‘When I am free I will study Torah,’ for perhaps you will not become free.”
Hillel teaches that the study of our holy Torah, that G-d gave us for truth, clarity, direction and purpose, is so vital for the existence of a Jew that our evil inclination is on the constant lookout to distract and divert us from engaging in its study. Hillel tells us to be on the lookout to seize the moments of our inspiration and direct our attention to its study.
We can only be as knowledgeable and appreciative of Judaism to the extent of our study of Torah.
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Rabbi of the Boca Raton Synagogue, recently wrote an article about the experience Michael Gottesman had while defending his community and the neighboring community during the October 7th attacks. Upon hearing of the attacks, Michael grabbed his gun and gear to protect his community of Shlomit that borders Gaza. Shlomit wasn’t infiltrated, but the neighboring community of Prigan was, and they desperately needed reinforcements. Michael and others from his community answered the call and went to defend Prigan. Sadly, four of those heroic volunteers fell in battle and Michael was hit by a bullet that penetrated his lung, kidney and spleen. And when it exited, it shredded his upper arm. Michael fell to the ground and realizing the extent of his injury, didn’t think he had much time to live. He used his last breath to recite the Shema Yisroel – to declare G-d’s unity over the universe.
When Michael was done, he realized he was still conscious and had a few moments to live and had time for one more thing to say.
Michael shared that he looked up to the heavens and said, “Thank You Hashem. Thank you for a beautiful life. Thank you for my amazing wife, beautiful children, and my friends and neighbors. Thank you for all You gave me. If I go now, G-d, thank you for everything!!”
Rabbi Goldberg reflects on this powerful moment. While lying in a pool of blood, Michael didn’t say, “Why me? How can You do this to me?” Rather, he chose to look at his life and to say, “Thank you!”
It took four hours before he was evacuated and brought to the hospital, yet miraculously, Michael survived.
Michael underwent surgeries and extensive rehab. He was released but still needs rehab and healing. May Hashem grant this to him and all the wounded who are in need of healing.
Rabbi Goldberg concludes, “If Michael could express his gratitude in such a critical moment, can’t we express gratitude to G-d and to our loved ones, when things are going well for us?”