Parashat Vaeira - Rabbi Hannah Elkin - January 16, 2026

In our Torah portion this week, Parashat Vaeira, we see an important moment for Moses to speak the truth. God has told Moses that he will be the savior of the Jewish people, the prophet directly communicating God’s words to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go and bring them back to the land of Israel. But Moses hesitates to take on the task, and he tells God that he is unable and unprepared. Moses says that he cannot possibly communicate this message because he has a speech impediment, or literally “unprepared lips.” In response, God tells Moses to rely on his brother, Aaron, to do the talking for him. So now, God will communicate with Moses, Moses will communicate with Aaron, and Aaron will communicate to Pharaoh and the Israelites.Each week, a member of the clergy offers their personal perspective on a topic of their choice, such as the week's Torah portion, a Jewish holiday, ritual, custom, or history. Facebook: Wilshire Boulevard TempleWebsite: wbtla.orgYoutube: Wilshire Boulevard TempleInstagram: wilshireboulevardtemple