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עם ישראל
The key to the matter may be contained within the two words that Yosef handed down to the elders of the next generation as a sign: "Pakod yifkod Hashem" (Hashem shall certainly remember). It seems like a straightforward message that anyone could have come up with. Where is the sign?
It was actually very significant, at a time when Hashem’s name was disregarded, to speak about liberation whose only cause would be Hashem – without mentioning natural or political factors. There was no mention of finding lobbyists within the court or finding the right diplomatic approach; Hashem alone would do it. That is a unique sign of the nation being ready to be liberated in the historic manner known as "the Liberation of Israel."
There were other approaches that others tried, which are not explicit in the Torah, but are hinted at. The Jewish "policemen" had developed an approach of accommodation with the kingdom, and they were afraid to state the goal of liberation. In the other direction, there were hotheaded youngsters who acted in desperation. The Sons of Ephrayim tried to escape on their own and were slaughtered after leaving, causing the nation to fear the worst when they left. These extreme reactions were spawned by a situation of desperation. Some thought that one could work with the conniving and hateful Egyptians and did not think there was a need for action. Others thought that there must be extreme action, without giving due respect to the authorities.
The truth is that the need to show honor to the kingdom was not because they earned that respect. Rather, it was the fact that the Egyptians were actually chosen by Hashem to provide Bnei Yisrael with the difficult experience they needed. Just as praise of Hashem emanates from the actions of the righteous, so does it emanate from the actions of the wicked (Shemot Rabba 7:4). This type of approach to respect for the kingdom is a sign of national understanding of the Divine Hand of Hashem, who would "certainly remember" them at the proper time and in the proper way.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
