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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).
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.
