Attention Getter? Va’eira

Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

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A large part of my four decades of lawyering is doing deals. Despite ample amounts of money on the table, in rare instances, a deal cannot be done. My client’s lack of capacity to agree is the reason. The client either does not understand or appreciate the contract’s terms. Mental illness-i.e. schizophrenia or dementia- often creates this incapacity. In these instances, a Guardian Ad Litem is appointed. They are to consider whether the terms of the deal are in the client’s best interest.

The Torah Portion Va’eira offers up a moment of a contract’s disconnect. The covenant between God and the Children of Israel is in jeopardy. In the throes of the Exodus, there is the following passage: “And Moses spoke this to the Children of Israel, and they did not listen to Moses because of a shortage of spirit and because of hard work.” Exodus 6:7. In essence, the incapacity to listen jeopardized covenanting with God.

Prior to this failure to communicate, Va’eira offers up God’s proposal. The plan was as follows. “Therefore, say to the Children of Israel as Egypt is enslaving them, and I’ve remembered my covenant. Therefore, say to the Children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord, and I shall bring you out from under Egypt’s burdens, and I shall rescue you from their toil, and I shall redeem you with an outstretched arm and with tremendous judgments, and I shall take you to me as a people, and I will become your God, and you’ll know that I am the Lord, your God, who is bringing you out from Egypt’s burden. And I shall bring you to the land that I raised my hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and I shall give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.” Exodus 6:6.

This passage may explain two matters. First, Mt. Sinai’s pyrotechnic laden theophany was for a reason. It was crucial that all present understood the bargain they were entering into. Further, the passage explains the centrality of a passage in prayer. Deuteronomy 6:4, can be translated as “Listen Israel, the Lord Our God, the Lord is One” as opposed to “Hear.” This passage commands people to pay attention in order that appreciate the terms of their covenant.

Be well!!

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