<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr">While Rabi Akiva was counting out 250 plagues and 50 on the sea , Roman Emperor Hadrian was terrorizing the Eretz Yisrael inhabitants, using every cruel means available to him. With each new torture or hanging, arose from the people an outcry for revenge, for rebellion no matter at any costs. He may have sought to portray the Romans as just another wave of oppression, which can be waited out and weathered. <div>
<br></div><div>Whatever cruel tactics Rome could originate, Par'oh had used similar or more intimidating tactics. The Haggadah teaches us that not even one of Par'oh's deeds and plots was overlooked. Every one was noted and punished. Only a sampling is given in the "Pshuto shel mikra". Hadrian's punishment was just as sure to come. </div>
<div><br></div><div>Punishment of the Mirzri nation, were that the only goal, could have tarried decades longer. The urgent matter was the impending collapse and assimilation into Mitzrayim of the oppressed Bnai Yisra'el. Immediate action was necessary to preserve their identity and save their mission. </div>
<div><br></div><div>The Guardian of the Jews saw a danger of many of the enslaved Jews relinquishing their self-image as the noble Inheritors of Avraham Avinu's mission. In "my Haggadah" - each and every Jew needed "confidence building measures" showing them that Hashem had not forsaken them before. </div>
<div><br></div><div>By accounting for all the suffering inflicted upon them, punishing each and every act immediately, Hashem created or strengthened his connection with them as a caring dependable guide. With a dependable guide, with a recent track record of visible reward and punishment, Hashem created the foundation of trust and mutual confidence necessary for Yetzias Mitzrayim and Har Sinai's covenant. </div>
<div><br></div><div>It was not sufficient to provide Manna and water in the parched desert - they were scared that their freedom was but a brief interlude. Par'oh's armies were still intact. </div><div><br></div>
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Possibly, it was necessary to change the Mitzriyish "vox populi", to convince every Mitzri that Bnei Yisra'eil should be treated better than their Ram Gods, as the individual Jews are more powerful. Rabeinu Yonah al Hatorah poihts this out - (IMHO) that the gifts of clothing etc. were in the way of veneration. That explains why it was predicted so specifically in Parshas Shmos. </div>
<div><br></div><div>[Texchnical point: Since the veneration was of the One Hashem, venerating the Jews was not Avodah Zarah. Also where necessary, a Bitul of the Avodah Zarah before the gift. ]
</div><div><br></div><div>If I am partially or totally correct, that would be effective in making the enslaved nation into a powerful independent group. Each visible and accountable meting out of fair justice, provided confidence in Hashem for the individual Jews, and for the entire nation.</div>
<div><br></div><div>If the Mitzrim forsook their Dog Star and their Rams - that would give the Jews great confidence that the Geula was real and reliable. Part of this individuation and separation - was from hearing their former oppressors plead with them to leave, to save the Mitzrim further punishment.</div>
<div><br></div><div>Time after time, they heard the Mirzrim admit that Hashem was all powerful, and "engaged" - active. Par'oh and his officials announced that their idols their Gods - had been futile and of no effect. </div>
<div><br></div><div>Mitzrayim saw that it was futile to resist Hashem. Yisrael saw the Mitzrim defeated, and the Presence of Hashem and his complete justice. That gave them confidence, that whatever evils plots Empires would plot against them, Hashem would still be watching over them. </div>
<div><br></div><div>An important aspect of this dramatization was for each evil inflicted by the Oppressors - receive specific punishment in proper measure. . </div><div><br></div><div>Not only the original mild oppression, but also each of the escalations, were planned to destroy the identity and morale of the Bnei Avraham, who as yet had no firm identity. Doubtless there were heiroglyphic manuals for oppression of slave nations. All were applied ruthlessly. </div>
<div><br></div><div> As the Piyut says, Nagof L'mitzraim V'rafo L'yisra'el. The erstwhile slaves needed to see their former masters admitting they were powerless before Hashem. - a great turn=around. The proportionate nature of it gave confidence that even in the darkest times, Hashem was dutifully watching over them. </div>
<div><br></div><div>Summa cum laude, the highest praise, Hagada counts even Rabi Akiva's 300 Makos. Rabi Akiva teaches that however much doubled and redoubled destructive measures Rome utilizes, never will they achieve their aim, never can they destroy the Jewish People. </div>
<div><br></div><div>Par'oh already had used every method and strategy, and it availed him not at all. He received his full "Four Cups" of punishment. Hadrian and Rome - both in Rome and on the seas - could expect that they would soon come to the same fate. </div>
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