Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Some Torah commentators have said that the plague of frogs that afflicted Egypt according to the Exodus story might be interpreted to have been crocodiles.
By Shula Rosen
As Passover begins in Israel, Iran is facing extreme flooding and, as a result, an influx of crocodiles, as reported by CNN.
The crocodiles, which can reach up to 16 feet, have been displaced by floods in the southeast.
Flash floods have struck Bandar Abbas, Kerman, and Sistan and Baluchistan areas in Iran.
Area rivers have overrun their banks and dams are at full capacity.
It is estimated that at least 18 people have died as a result of the floods, and crocodiles may add to the calamity as they are forced out of their habitat.
Iranian Red Crescent rescued 43 people who were stranded in vehicles amid floods, and hundreds of buildings have lost power.
Department of Environment in Sistan and Baluchistan issued a warning of the influx of “short-nosed crocodiles” that have been displaced by the floods.
News media in Iran reported, “Due to the floods, especially in the south of the province, in the Baluchestan region, short-snouted mugger crocodiles may get out of ponds.”
Area residents were instructed to avoid travel to Bahu Kalat riverbanks, marshes, and wildlife areas.
Iranian Red Crescent has had to rescue 43 people who were stranded in vehicles amid floods, and hundreds of buildings have lost power.
The crocodiles, known as mugger crocodiles, have broad snouts, are powerful swimmers and often seek new habitats during adverse conditions.
The threat of crocodiles in Iran coinciding with the Jewish holiday of Passover is noteworthy since a few Torah commentators have said that the plague of frogs that afflicted Egypt according to the Exodus story might be interpreted to have been crocodiles, according to Israel 365 News.
The 15th-century Portuguese commentator, Rabbi Isaac ben Judah Abarbanel, interprets the Hebrew word Tzfardeya in Hebrew to mean crocodile rather than frog.
Among other reasons, Abarbanel commented that since crocodiles, unlike frogs, are inherently destructive, they are more likely to have been the creatures sent in the plagues to punish Egypt for enslaving the Jewish People.
In the 14th century, Rabbeinu B’chaye describes a crocodile as follows, “Sometimes it comes out of the Nile where it lives, rising onto the river’s edge and swallowing whatever it finds, even two or three humans at a time.”
He added, “Neither spear nor arrow can overcome its body unless aimed for its belly. Physicians say it is venomous and that touching its body, even after its death, is harmful to man.”
Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!
We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Since October 7th, soldiers have been on the battlefield for months - many are hoping to come home for Passover.
Join us in sending Passover food packages (and personal notes) to Israeli soldiers and their families.
Many soldiers spend the Passover holiday with needy families back home. The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern. Bring them Passover joy!
CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR PACKAGE AND NOTE TO ISRAELI SOLDIERS!
