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Beit Midrash
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At the end of our parsha, as Yosef correctly interprets the dreams of the baker and the butler, he asks the butler to "remember" and "mention" him to Paro when he is released, so that Yosef, too, might be freed from prison. For this "sin" of trusting in the butler, rather than in Hashem, Yosef must spend an additional two years languishing in jail. (This is the meaning of the opening phrase in next week’s sedra Miketz, "at the end of two years..").
But why was Yosef punished? Is a person not allowed, perhaps even required, to use all means at his disposal to save his life? Was it so wrong for Yosef to believe that G-d had sent the butler into prison specifically to aid in his release? So why NOT eagerly enlist his assistance?!
Chazal answer that it is true, one must take full advantage of the opportunities which G-d sends us, utilizing any and all possible avenues to safeguard our health and improve our lot in life. That is the rule. But Yosef was the exception to the rule! He is an example of someone who is totally, completely in the hands of Hashem, whose every move is being guided and guarded by G-d. At every point, Yosef is saved from harm and continually taken from the pit to prosperity.
As such, Yosef should have recognized that he was being directed from above, and should have relied only upon the Almighty.
Yosef’s example of intense "Hashgacha Pratit, Divine supervision" is being mercifully, miraculously repeated here in Israel, the "exception-al" nation whose firm connection to Hashem is palpable and ever-present.
Is it possible that we could have formed a state, against such overwhelming odds, without Hashem’s direct help? How could we win 6 wars, absorb millions of immigrants – most of them indigent; and create one of the world’s great economies, ll on our own? Could a nation embody national resurrection, T’chiyat Ha-metim, if G-d did not will it?
Only the most blind – or hopelessly stubborn – of people could deny the pervasive, perpetual presence of G-d in Israel. All it takes to see that is to open our eyes and open our minds, to acknowledge Hashem’s presence - and be a part of it.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
