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We will look this week at a novel idea related to two words from the parasha’s opening introduction, "shnei bnei" (the two sons of...), regarding Nadav and Avihu. We find those words in two other places in the Torah. One is the description of the massacre carried out by Shimon and Levi, "the two sons of" Yaakov (Bereishit 34:25). The other is when Yaakov was reluctant to let Reuven take Binyamin to Egypt, Reuven said to Yaakov that if he did not bring Binyamin back, "my two sons you shall kill" (ibid. 42: 36-37).
Both of these p’sukim have links to the sale of Yosef. Yaakov, before his death, connected the sins of Shimon and Levi: the massacre of Shechem and the sale of Yosef (see ibid 49:5-7 with Rashi). As a result of their sins, the two, along with Reuven, who preceded them, lost the right to be the leaders of the nation.
Before we continue, let us consider what logic there was, to the extent that there was some, in Reuven’s offer to have his two sons killed. The Torah says that one who steals has to pay double (Shemot 23:3). If one steals a person (kidnaps) and then sells him, he is deserving of the death penalty (ibid. 21:16). Although it might be somewhat deserving, we cannot double the punishment, as a person can be killed only once. Yehuda sold Yosef, but on the other hand, saved him from possibly being killed by Shimon and Levi. Instead of being killed by Hashem, two of Yehuda’s sons died, albeit for their own sins, but in a manner that acutely pained Yehuda. An element of double pay was preserved. Reuven, in offering his two sons, imitated the Divine concept of paying double, if he would not return Binyamin to his proper place. He made a mistake in offering such a thing, which Hashem would do if He found it appropriate.
Shimon was a major partner in the sin of selling Yosef, but he, for whatever reason, was punished in a different manner, by being put into jail and kept in exile in Egypt, as the other brothers returned to their father.
Levi, then, is the only one who seems to have escaped punishment for his involvement in the harsh treatment of Yosef. Perhaps this comes through Aharon, spiritual leader of the whole tribe, on the day of the inauguration of his service in the Temple. Aharon’s sons were enticed to sin and deserve death, and Aharon experienced that which was coming to his grandfather, as his two sons died.
Let us internalize during these days of remembrance and celebration, that while sometimes serious disagreement between brothers cannot be avoided, we must demand of ourselves to preserve unity, even when we do not expect uniformity.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
