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Why does the Torah (תורה) use 'nikra' (the language of tumah) when Moshe tells Pharaoh that Hashem (ה׳) appeared to the Israelites, rather than 'vayikra' used for pure prophetic revelations? The shiur develops the insight that since the Israelites were still uncircumcised in Egypt, they required the same 'fallen' state for receiving divine communication as Bilam and pre-circumcision Avrohom.
Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L begins by examining a question raised by the Mizrachi on Parshas Shemos regarding the language used when Hashem (ה׳) instructs Moshe to tell Pharaoh that 'Hashem Elokei ha'ivrim nikra aleinu' - Hashem, God of the Hebrews, appeared to us. The issue is that 'nikra' (with a hey) is the same language of tumah used for Hashem's appearance to Bilam, while appearances to Jewish prophets typically use 'vayikra' (with an alef), indicating a pure, dignified revelation. The Maharal offers several explanations: first, that the appearance occurred in Egypt, a land of tumah and idolatry; second, that when people speak about themselves receiving prophecy, they use humble language rather than claiming the highest level of revelation; and third, that the phrase refers to the entire nation of Israel, not just the prophets, so the elevated prophetic language wouldn't be appropriate.
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Parshas Shemos 3:18
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