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According to the Ibn Ezra’s explanation, the placing of Yosef’s hand is related to Hashem’s promise, "I will surely bring you up [to Eretz Yisrael]," which also was fulfilled only upon Yaakov’s death. However, according to both the Ibn Ezra and Rashbam, the pasuk seems chronologically out of order. The phrase, "and Yosef will place his hand on your eyes," which was fulfilled during his lifetime or as he died, should appear in the middle of the pasuk. Why is found at the end of the pasuk, after the matter of Yaakov’s posthumous return to the Land?
The Meshech Chuchma offers a unique interpretation, which, among other things, solves the problem of this phrase’s positioning. He explains that Hashem was telling Yaakov not to overly analyze why he was descending to Egypt. With our limited understanding, we cannot comprehend why Hashem does certain things. Who could have guessed that the pain Yosef endured during his sale and imprisonment would eventually lead to his position as viceroy to the king of Egypt, a position that enabled him to promulgate his righteous ideologies? In other words, the story of Yosef should teach Yaakov to "close his eyes" in the face of Divine Providence. Indeed, Yosef’s arrival in Egypt, and later that of the rest of his family, was part of a bigger master plan that could be understood only when all of its stages would come to fruition. These events made it possible to attempt to bring Hashem’s kingship to the most influential society of its time. Yosef, as viceroy to Pharaoh, tried to make a monotheistic revolution in a land of idolatry. Had all been aware of this from the beginning, those involved would not have been so skeptical and could have appreciated the importance of the difficult events that transpired.
This approach fits very nicely with the p’sukim in Tehillim, which describe the events of Yosef’s life. "As a slave Yosef was sold … an iron chain was laid on his soul. Until the time His word came to pass, the words of Hashem purified him. The king sent (for him) and they freed him ... He was appointed as master of his house and ruler of all his possessions. To imprison his officers as he desired and make his elders wise" (Tehillim 105: 17-22).
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
