Do you delete my emails?

When I send out my weekly e-mail, there are usually three types of reactions. Reaction number one is from people who actually read the e-mail and then comment on what a wonderful message it held. The second response is from those who argue that the content makes no sense whatsoever. And the third reaction is to simply hit delete upon arrival. In fact, when delivering a sermon, I see the exact same thing: some listen attentively, others argue back and the third group hit the snooze button as soon as I start to talk.

In the denial of G-d there are three types. The first was Bilaam, the Midianite prophet who communicated with G-d yet possessed a twisted belief in that he had no issue with G-d’s existence, only G-d’s unity. Sancheriv, King of Assyria, was the second non-believer whose denial expressed itself in his constant cursing and blasphemy of G-d. Pharaoh made it to third when he famously ignored Moses’ demand to let G-d’s people go, declaring, “Who is this G-d that I should listen to Him?”

At first glance it would seem Sancheriv is the worst of the lot based on his constant cursing. But in actual fact, Pharaoh far surpasses him, for his denial is based on a total lack of acknowledgement of G-d. Sancheriv was at least affected by G-d, no matter if that effect was negative.

It works exactly the same way in a marriage. The worst reaction to a shouting spouse is to ignore him or her for a week. Because when you shout back, at least you acknowledge each other while ignoring the spouse is in actuality denying their existence.

It reminds me of my days as a student in Yeshiva. I would stand in the streets of Tel-Aviv, offering pedestrians to don tefillin. Some people would immediately acquiesce. Others would shout and curse me out for intefering with their lives. But worst of all were the people who would simply continue walking, pretending they had not heard a word I had said.

This is why G-d brought frogs upon Egypt. Because the beastly kingdom is also divided into three categories: first are dogs and cats that are loveable animals as well as useful to man; the second type comprises poisonous animals that at least say something about creation, and the third category includes animals whose existence seems totally pointless. Such as frogs. Not good, not evil; simply harmless, bland creatures.

Judaism is the antithesis of Egyptian culture. For a Jew to thrive, he must be driven by a passion, powered by an engine of holiness. As such, the Jew’s worst enemy is apathy, or lack of interest - the defining element of the Egyptian empire and its plague of frogs.