Vaeira – Control Yourself

Parshas Vaeira advances the Torah’s account of the Jewish people's enslavement in Egypt. The narrative now transitions to the second phase in which Moshe and Aharon confront the powerful and arrogant Paroh. Our Parsha elaborates on the first seven of the ten plagues that Hashem will unleash upon Paroh and his people. After the first plague, which was the plague of blood, Hashem instructs Moshe to warn Paroh about the impending second plague. Paroh disregards the warnings, and from the Nile River, a very large frog emerges. Rashi, citing the Midrash, clarifies that this plague began with a solitary frog. When the Egyptians observed it in the street and heard its dreadful croaking, they began to strike it. Each time they hit the frog, numerous additional frogs would emerge from the original one. This cycle continued until the entire land of Egypt was filled with these creatures.

The Steipler Gaon finds this narrative fascinating. He inquires why the Egyptians persisted in striking the frog. Once or maybe twice could be justified, but to keep hitting it when every blow resulted in the precise opposite of what they intended is bewildering. The Egyptians were the preeminent society of their time. were certainly not lacking in smarts, yet their actions could be seen as insane: repeating the same behavior and yet, expecting a different outcome.

The Danger of Anger

The Steipler clarifies the reaction of the Egyptians by emphasizing the destructive and harmful effects of anger. He notes that the Egyptians were fully dominated by their emotional responses. The frog was a source of annoyance for them, and their profound arrogance rendered such irritation intolerable. As individuals dominated by their feelings, they found it impossible to tolerate anyone, much less an animal, that did not submit to their authority. Consequently, their unchecked anger resulted in a loss of sanity.

Numerous statements by Chazal address the perils associated with anger. A person consumed by anger is analogous to one who engages in idol worship. This analogy reflects their belief that they should be in control rather than yielding to Hashem. In contemporary medicine, a significant connection has been established between anger and both physical and mental health. A Danish study conducted within the past decade identified a correlation between anger and an increased risk of premature death.

Heart and Mind

Extensive studies in medical science have identified clear associations between cardiovascular diseases and the emotion of anger. When a person experiences anger, catecholamines (stress hormones) are released, resulting in increased blood pressure and heart rate. Even momentary episodes of anger can compromise the ability of blood vessels to dilate, which contributes to the development of plaque (atherosclerosis). This damage heightens the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and chronic heart conditions, with just one episode of anger potentially doubling the risk of a heart attack in the immediate aftermath. Furthermore, the repercussions of anger and stress can manifest stomach cramps and gastrointestinal problems, exacerbating digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Beyond the physical repercussions that anger has on an individual's body, the effects of anger on mental health and cognitive function can be profound. Chronic anger intensifies anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. It impairs concentration and lessens positive emotional experiences. The increased arousal resulting from anger makes it difficult to achieve relaxation and restful sleep, thereby creating a cycle of irritability. Consequently, this makes it increasingly challenging to respond rationally and to make sound decisions.

Turn Down the Heat and Relax

Many individuals associate specific terms and colors with the manifestation of anger. The expression 'burning anger' is one that many recognize. This phrase stems from the physiological changes that transpire within the body when a person becomes angry. An individual who is angry often feels a rise in temperature and may begin to sweat. Their heart rate increases, and the world around them seems to accelerate. They might even feel as though they are having an out-of-body experience. An angry person tends to express thoughts and engage in behaviors that they would typically refrain from while calm. Indeed, they seem to turn red and perceive everything in shades of red. Anger is, in fact, a consuming fire that can devastate both the individual and those surrounding them.

In the same way that measures can be taken to prevent physical fires, individuals can also take proactive steps to mitigate the fire of anger. The first step involves self-awareness and honesty about one's own temperament. Do they have a propensity for a quick temper? What specific triggers or situations elicit an anger response? It is wise to avoid these triggers and circumstances. An ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure. Secondly, one should be attentive to the early warning signs of anger. Just as one would not wait for a house to be consumed by flames before attempting to extinguish a fire, individuals should act as soon as they notice the onset of anger. They must work to extinguish it before it transforms into a full-blown rage. Taking a moment to step away from the situation can provide the necessary time to cool down. You and those around you will be grateful for this decision.

As Jews, we are endowed with a Torah that is intended to guide our lives. There are mussar sefarim in various languages that can support us in dealing with the middah of anger – ka’as. It is beneficial to speak with a rabbi, teacher, or mentor to seek their advice on which sefer could be of assistance to you. Consider the pain and suffering that could have been avoided in Egypt if the Egyptians had opted for rationality over anger. While hitting the frog may allow a person to vent their anger, when we control our anger there will be no reason to hit the frog.