Plagues & Passover Unit - Week 1

This month we will be learning about the Plagues & Passover.  The following website is produced by a Jewish organization, but it details the story and importance for the Israelites of the Plagues and Passover well.  Parents, be sure to point out the Hebrew writing!

http://www.morim.org/getfile.aspx?id=5962


FYI:  There is some debate as to whether the fourth plague was flies or wild animals. 
(עָרוֹב): Ex. 8:20–32

	This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you do not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies upon you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies, and even the ground where they are.
	— Exodus 8:20–21

The fourth plague of Egypt was of animals capable of harming people and livestock. The Torah emphasizes that the arov ("mixture" or "swarm") only came against the Egyptians, and that it did not affect the Land of Goshen (where the Israelites lived). Pharaoh asked Moses to remove this plague and promised to allow the Israelites' freedom. However, after the plague was gone, Pharaoh "hardened his heart" and again refused to keep his promise.
The word עָרוֹב has caused a difference of opinion among traditional interpreters. The root meaning is related to mixing. While most traditional interpreters understand the plague as "wild animals", Gesenius along with many modern interpreters understand the plague as a swarm of flies.