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The midrash (Sechel Tov, Bereishit 45) explains that this was done for the needs of modesty. As Yosef was going to prove his identity by showing he was circumcised, he did not want his assistants to see what was not necessary for them to see.
The simple explanation, of course, is that Yosef wanted to protect his brothers from embarrassment at the awkward situation that was to occur, which would include no small amount of explicit or implicit rebuke. Rishonim put stress on the rebuke, including practical ramifications, stemming from it, other than the brothers’ simple embarrassment. The Ramban says that upon hearing of Yosef’s sale, the Egyptians would view the brothers as betrayers and would reason that if that is the way they treated their own brother, they certainly could not be trusted to live in Egypt and visit in its palace.
The Da’at Zekeinim echoes this idea but also extends it, in showing how the matter of the sale was a bigger secret than we might assume. They claim that not only did Yaakov not know about the sale, but even Binyamin, who was not with his brothers at the time, did not know about it. In fact, they claim that Yosef broke his speech of revelation into two. At first, he just said: "I am Yosef, is my father still alive?" (Bereishit 45:3). Before he asked his brothers to approach him and mentioned the sale (ibid. 4), he had Binyamin go elsewhere so he would not hear about the sale. That way, they would not have to be embarrassed from Binyamin, and he would not know anything he should not tell Yaakov.
In fact, the accounts of the events are vague on the question of how he ended up in Egypt. He told the sar hamashkim that "I was stolen from the Land of the Hebrews" (ibid. 40:15). Even when the brothers spoke among themselves about their regrets vis a vis Yosef (ibid. 42:21-22), they speak of not having mercy on him but do not mention having sold him. If one looks at the p’sukim throughout the accounts, it is not even clear that Reuven, who was somewhat protective of Yosef, was aware that the other brothers had actually sold him and did not just throw him in the pit. Yosef does not mention it to Yaakov, and the brothers’ speech to Yosef after Yaakov’s death does not mention it either.
One who does talk about "the sale of a tzaddik for shoes" is the navi Amos (2:6). Chazal continue that theme and connect the destruction of the two Temples to that act of treachery. We know from our liturgy, the idea that a Roman Caesar forced the execution of ten scholars by saying that they needed to pay for the kidnapping and sale carried out by their forefathers. It is clear from many of the sources that the abuse of Yosef was all the more unconscionable due to the fact that they sold him and pocketed the money.
In general this idea should be a reminder. Even if one attacks another with claims of doing justice, he should make sure that he is not also trying to profit, including monetarily, from the matter.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.