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Paroh thus explains his rationale to his people: "Shall we find like this, a man within whom is the spirit of G-d?" (Bereishit 41:38). Where does Paroh see this is spirit of G-d? Does it just mean that he once succeeded in telling the future? Firstly, we find Yosef invoking Hashem’s Name in his exploits. While this is the third time during Yosef’s stay in Egypt this is recorded, this is the most inclusive evoking of His Name. Yosef tells Potiphar’s wife of his elevated status and says that if he sins, he will be sinning to Hashem (ibid. 39:9). Regarding the dreams of the butler and the baker, he says: "For meanings of dreams are Hashem’s" but then says, "Tell me now," giving himself a little power over the matter (ibid. 40:8). This time, Yosef says: "It does not have to do with me. Hashem will answer for Paroh’s welfare" (ibid. 41:16).
However, we can advance the understanding that the spirit of Hashem within him is more than just ‘talking the talk.’ Yosef, living among the morally lacking Egyptian society, carried himself with an air of godliness that beyond finding expression in speech, was natural and innate in his personality. While it is hard to rely on it fully, most of us have probably felt something special when being around a great person. While a long white beard might help, sometimes someone just exudes a certain spirit of G-d within him or her. On the flip side, one can sometimes sense when he is around someone dangerous or evil. Yosef apparently succeeded in conveying the former earlier in his stay, thereby receiving the full trust of his masters. Yet by the time he met Paroh, this characteristic was able to give him unprecedented authority.
Let us connect this to the Chanuka story. The first recorded encounter between the great Greek Empire and Judaism is the story of Alexander the Great’s meeting with Shimon Hatzaddik (see Yoma 69a and midrashim). The sight of Shimon Hatzaddik in kohen gadol’s garb (along with some Divine Providence) convinced Alexander that this was a person with whom he wanted to coexist harmoniously. Even or especially an emperor/warrior can sense when he is in the presence of someone spiritually great in a manner he can only appreciate from afar. Perhaps by the time of the Chanuka story, we lacked leaders with that degree of an aura of sanctity. This forced us to survive spiritually by taking on the empire through willingness to give one’s life and the bravery to beat the enemy at their own game of war.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
