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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.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
