In this week's parsha we read about the the first seven of the ten plagues as well as the other miracles that were performed by Moshe in front of Paroah. R' Eliemelech Biderman pointed out that these plagues G-d commanded Moshe to perform through the "means" of his staff. Obviously this wasn't a magic trick, G-d Forbid, and a staff was not necessary, so what was the reason that Moshe used any staff in order to perform these miracles/plagues?  The entire Exodus from Egypt was to instill in us the belief in G-d and His constant Providence over the Jewish People. As we go through life, on a national and personal level, we sometimes mistakenly believe in the power of the staff. We think that our boss pays the bills, our friend insulted us, the doctor healed us (may we all be well), or any of the other people or things that we attribute our success or failures to. What we don't always realize is that these people or things are just the "staff" which by themselves have no power to help or harm us. These are all just the tools that G-d uses to give us what we deserve or to direct the world according to His plan. Of course, we can hold those messengers accountable for choosing to help or hurt us, but ultimately the failure or success would have come about with or without them. As our sages teach us, "there are many messengers to carry out to Will of G-d".

We have to always look up to our father in Heaven and beyond the earthly staff in our life.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath