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Hashem told Yaakov not to fear going down to Egypt (Bereishit 46:3), which is a sure sign, say Chazal (Bereishit Rabba 76:1), that prior to that he did fear. What was the reason for Yaakov’s fear? We understand his fear when encountering Eisav and his band of 400 men (Bereishit 32:8). However, here Yaakov was preparing for an encounter with a new leader and host nation, not as a potential victim but as a celebrity. He was protected by his all-powerful son, the viceroy of Egypt. That certainly seems an improvement over his position in the famine-struck Land of Canaan. Paroh himself sent a greeting to Yaakov and sent presents and promises that there was no need to bring provisions because Egypt awaited him with the desire to provide him with anything he wanted (ibid. 46: 18-20). It is easier to understand the emotional mixed feelings about leaving the land of his forefathers with an element of sadness, but why was there fear?
It appears that what concerned Yaakov was specifically the Egyptian open-armed welcome that awaited him. Such a reception put the family in danger of a destructive spiritual influence that would accompany the best amenities of Egypt. We see this in the style of living that the family adopted upon their arrival in Egypt. They lived in history’s first Jewish ghetto, but it was one which was unilaterally requested by Yosef on their behalf. Furthermore, when the family was to meet Paroh, the instructions were to tell him that they were inextricably linked to the profession of shepherding, which was despised by the Egyptians, so that the possibility of the family’s assimilation in general society would be further set back.
Not only did they not want to rub shoulders with general society, but they did not want influential roles within the elite of the nation. That is why Yosef chose only a delegation of his less impressive brothers to be presented to Paroh, so that he not choose them as officers for the army (Rashi to Bereishit 47:2).
Indeed these precautions succeeded. Paroh, while still keeping the offer of fuller participation in society open, was resigned to the fact that Yaakov’s family would live separately. More importantly, in the long run, we see that the family-nation remained socially unique. While they did slip over time into a pattern of idol worship, they kept distinct names, language, and clothes. In the merit of these steps they were redeemed when the time came. As Hashem promised Yaakov, "I shall go down with you to Egypt, and I shall certainly return you" (ibid. 46:4).
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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.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
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.
