The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart troubles many commentators.
Some commentators address this theological problem by explaining that Pharaoh deserved to lose his free will (e.g. Ramban). Others answer by explaining the text in a literal manner (e.g. Sforno), that the term “hardening of the heart” does not denote a loss of free will.
In this lesson for grades 7-12, we will examine four different approaches to this problem. We will study the text that describes the Ten Plagues (i.e. Chapters 7:14-11), which covers most of Parshiot Va’era and Bo.
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This guide serves as a support for people reading and teaching this classic work by Martin Buber.
This guide provides additional resources for reading and reflecting on Psalm 27 during the High Holy Day season.
ParshaQuest Sheets provide a summary and 5 categories of questions about the weekly parsha.