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Rashi and the Ibn Ezra say that it is a term used for supplication. The Ramban says that it is an expression of anguish and grievance about something upsetting or corrupt. The word, which literally means "in me" is used as expressing, "within me you are a master." In other words, Yehuda and the brothers were accusing Yosef of being oppressive in an unfair manner. (It is worthwhile to mention in passing that the Ramban teaches us through this idea that it is important for every regime to have an officer whose job it is to accept complaints about the functioning of the government agencies.)
The great Hassidic thinkers also struggled with this expression. Let us share the S’fat Emet’s (Vayigash 5643) idea on the matter. The midrash comments the following on the pasuk in Amos (9:13): "There are days coming, says Hashem, when the one who plows will meet the one who reaps." The one who plows, says the midrash, refers to Yehuda, and the one who reaps refers to Yosef. The S’fat Emet derives from this statement that Yosef is actually on a higher level than Yehuda in this context, as it is the plower who is there to prepare the way for the reaper. He continues that Yosef is related to the forefathers, whereas Yehuda is related to the descendants.
This is a very big chidush. Usually we view Yosef as preparing for Yehuda. Mashiach ben Yosef is the precursor of the awaited Mashiach ben David (from the tribe of Yehuda). Yosef is the sixth of the ushpizin (spiritual guests to our sukkot), leading the way for David on the seventh day. We learn from the S’fat Emet that there is a good deal of complementation in this relationship between Yehuda and Yosef. When the situation of "they were not able to speak to each other in shalom (peace)" persisted, there could not be a situation of shleimut (completeness). That is why Yehuda stresses "bee, adoni" - "although you are my master, your dominion comes from within me, for it is my plowing, namely, preparatory work, which makes you, Yosef, what you are." Only when the two work in tandem can there be full success.
One of the most profound prophetic expressions of the future redemption is that which Hashem commanded Yechezkel (37:16-17): "Take for yourself one piece of wood and write upon it, 'For Yehuda and the Sons of Israel, his friends;' and take one piece of wood and write on upon it 'For Yosef, the wood of Ephrayim and all of the house of Israel his friends.' Bring close one to the other for you as one piece of wood, and they should be as one in your hand." Separatism and internal strife in the past brought Am Yisrael down to a low level, as the split in the nation destroyed the First Temple, undid the accomplishments of the Hasmoneans, and destroyed the Second Temple with baseless hatred. Only with internal unity can we, with Hashem’s help continue and build the Third Temple.
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.