Before Moshe and Aron approach Paroh, Hashem cautions the brothers to treat Paroh with honor. Paroh, who took a daily bath in the blood of Jewish babies, who enslaved and tormented us throughout the shibud. It begs the obvious question: Why the need for respect?
In this Shmuz, Rabbi Shafier makes a clear distinction between the rasha that was Paroh and the institution of malchus. We are instructed to respect the government under which we live, even if it is contrary to our own political leanings. Bringing fascinating examples from modern-day America, Rabbi Shafier demonstrates just how much hakaras hatov we owe the United States, and cautions us to ensure that our own behavior falls in line with Torah values.