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Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Miketz
In this case, there seems to be a clear connection in that both start with an important dream of a king, a young King Shlomo, in the case of the haftara (Melachim I, 3:15). In the past, we also noted the overlap of the wise heart that Hashem promised Shlomo, reminiscent of the wise heart that Paroh discerned in Yosef after Yosef correctly interpreted his dream. This time we want to point out a shared expression in the parasha and the haftara and learn from it about the relationship between Yosef and his brothers.
Shlomo was presented with a judicial challenge – to determine which of the arguing women was the mother of the live baby and who of the dead baby. Was it the woman who presented the whole story in the first place, or the woman who, in short, rejected the former’s story and said that the live baby boy was hers? The Malbim claims that the responder, who mentioned the live boy before the dead one, was the mother of the live baby. The woman who spoke first, who focused on the dead baby, was the one who accepted the idea of splitting the surviving baby, and was not the latter’s mother.
Others say it was the original presenter who had pity on the baby and offered him to her rival. A proof offered is that we find her using the same expression twice, in the early speeches of first speaker and in the clinching plea to spare the life of the baby. The phrase "bi adoni" (please, my master) shows proper etiquette in speaking to the young king. The original presenter is the one who used the phrase a second time in her speech that proved that she was the live baby’s mother.
The dispute between Yosef and his brothers had all the potential to rip the nascent Nation of Israel into shreds. The death verdict the brothers handed down against their divisive brother was like a sword that would cut the nation into pieces. The conflict, which is behind the scenes in Vayeishev and Miketz, comes to its climax in Vayigash when Yehuda approaches Yosef with his strong claims – claims that were introduced with the words "bi adoni" (Berieshit 44:18). Yosef’s hard heart is softened, and he finally reveals his identity to his brothers.
One of the lessons for generations like ours is that even when there are harsh disputes between people, certainly between brothers, it is crucial to speak with respectful language. This advice is true even when matters of life and death are on the line. As Shlomo himself said: "A soft response pushes back fury" (Mishlei 15:1).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.