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Beit Midrash
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The older of the two, Yissachar, became the symbol for generations of one who earned the "crown of Torah." It is no surprise that in the section that deals with the gifts presented by the tribal leaders for the Mishkan, the leader of Yissachar was the second to bring his offerings. He followed right after Yehuda, the overall leader of the nation. The Midrash states that it was Yissachar’s excellence in Torah study that gave them this distinction (Sifrei Zuta 7). This greatness of Yissachar, which is only hinted at in the Torah, finds explicit mention in the Ketuvim: "From the sons of Yissachar, those who know wisdom of the times …" (Divrei Hayamim I 12:33). The midrash comments that this refers to "200 heads of Sanhedrin who came from the tribe of Yissachar" (Bereishit Rabba, Vayechi 99).
The Torah gives the following hint at the relationship between the tribes of the two brothers: "To Zevulun he [Moshe] said: Be happy, Zevulun, as you go out, and Yissachar in your tents" (Devarim 33:8). Chazal tell us (Bereishit Rabba ibid.) that Zevulun used to be involved in commerce and feed Yissachar. Ostensibly, Yissachar was involved in tzura (form, spirituality), which we consider most important, while Zevulun was involved in chomer (material matters), which is just a means at enabling the more important matters. However, looking at the blessings, both of Yaakov (Bereishit 49:13-14) and of Moshe (Devarim 33:18), we notice that Zevulun is mentioned first, even though Yissachar is older. Why?
The greatness of Yissachar can cause possible negative outcomes. One is that the lofty status of Torah scholars (sometimes referred to as kings – see Gittin 62a) can cause haughtiness. The other is that Yissachar may think that Zevulun needs him (for virtue) and he does not need Zevulun. Yissachar’s job is to close himself in quarters where he can concentrate on his studies and this can cause separation from people, which can be problematic in addition to being useful.
Yaakov and Moshe came to say that despite the importance of their holy activities, Yissachar must remember not to be haughty and not to overly separate themselves. "Despite your greatness, Yissachar, there are areas in which you are number two to Zevulun."
Shai Agnon’s short story, "Yissachar and Zevulun" demonstrates in his incisive mode of expression, how the two found each other in Gan Eden. There they found that Yissachar’s tally of Torah study virtues was less than he had thought and that the tally of Zevulun was greater than he thought. In any case, both were virtuous and complemented each other out for the betterment of the nation.
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P'ninat Mishpat A Non-Contractor in Changing Times – part II
(based on ruling 85128 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Moreshet Shaul Hashem Is your Shadow – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 420 – an address from 1941
Parashat Hashavua Happiness for the Right Reasons
[With painful longing, we share these divrei Torah from our co-Rosh Kollel for close to 40 years, Harav Moshe Ehrenreich zt”l.]
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.
