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Rashi’s second explanation, based on a Midrash Aggada, is that he sent Yehuda to prepare a house of study, from which rulings would come forth. According to this, Yaakov was concerned with the spiritual needs of his family/nation and that he felt that Yehuda was the most qualified to carry this out. The Radak and Chizkuni explain that Yaakov was looking for a way to go to Goshen without having to pass through the heart of Egypt. The Abarbanel has a novel idea: Yaakov had already arrived in Goshen but sent Yehuda to tell Yosef precisely where he was, so that Yosef could come greet him.
We will, from this point, focus on Rashi’s second explanation. This journey to Egypt was destined to be the first exile of the Nation of Israel, and it thus had an important role in our history according to the thesis of ma’aseh avot siman labanim (the actions of the fathers are signs for the future of the descendants). Any embarking upon exile includes great spiritual dangers, as the gemara says, "Once Israel was exiled from their place, there is no greater loss of Torah study than that" (Chagiga 5b). However, it does not stop with a lowering of spiritual level but includes the danger of full assimilation, Heaven forbid. Yaakov, who succeeded in living with Lavan and fulfilling the 613 mitzvot, understood this and was proactive in protecting his people by founding a Torah center to protect the exiles from the 49 levels of impurity, which abounded in Egypt.
In our times, we are in the midst of a quiet national destruction, to our great dismay, with assimilation reaching 90% in certain places. Research has shown that two things can help stem the tide of assimilation in a community. One is to set up a Torah educational infrastructure that includes a high level advanced institution, which can stand as a light tower for the region’s Jewish community. Such an institution can warn about upcoming dangers on what seems to be "safe shores." It also serves as a source of inspiration open to all. Only communities with the foresight to ensure that they have such an institution have weathered the storms well.
The second factor that has proven its efficacy is developing and continuing a strong connection to the State and Land of Israel. The more delegations of young people the community sends to Israel, the lower the level of assimilation locally.
Specifically at this time, after Chanuka, which features the fight against assimilation, let us encourage Jewish communities to follow the lead of Yaakov and fight off the dangers of exile. Let us encourage and aid in the building and maintaining of Torah centers in all places and strengthen the ties between Israel and the Diaspora.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
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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
