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The Ramban explains that the timing of four generations does not relate to Bnei Yisrael’s exile but to the sin of Emorites. The midrash (Mechilta D’Rabbi Yishmael, Bo 14) says that the two possibilities are … two possibilities. If Bnei Yisrael would repent, they would return after four generations. If not, they would be redeemed after the appropriate number of years.
When was the end of four generations? One midrash (Lekach Tov, Lech Lecha 15) says that the four generations are Kehat, Amram, Moshe, and Moshe’s sons, who were the ones who entered the Land. Rashi takes a similar approach, although using a different family to illustrate: Yehuda, Peretz, Chetzron, and Chetzron’s son Kalev, who entered the Land. After begging forgiveness, we want to suggest another explanation.
The exile to Egypt was a direct result of the selling of Yosef, which stemmed from the deep dispute between the brothers, a story that we followed from Parashat Vayeishev through Parashat Vayechi. We would think that the brother’s earned their atonement in Parashat Vayigash, when Yehuda offered to become a slave in place of Binyamin and Yosef revealed his identity to his brothers. They all kissed each other and spoke (Bereishit 45:15), which is a correction of "they were unable to speak with him in peace" (ibid. 37:4).
However, looking at Parashat Vayechi, we see that the tension continued. After Yaakov’s burial, the brothers came begging to Yosef, with a contrived story of Yaakov’s unwritten request for Yosef to spare his brothers and their willingness to be his slaves (ibid. 50:18). This tension could have actually been the cause of the redemption not coming earlier. While Yosef did not take revenge against Yehdua, he also did not offer him partnership in the leadership of the nation-in-making. Without partnership between the sons of Leah and of Rachel, there cannot be full redemption. Not only did Yosef not include Yehuda, but the descendants of his son Ephrayim tried to leave Egypt on their own accord. Yehoshua ruled without including Yehuda in a prominent manner. Shaul did not welcome David’s emergence, and David failed to elevate the status of Yonatan’s sons. Yeravam did not agree to serve as an assistant to King Rechavam. (To learn more about the generation of Yeravam and Uziya, see Tzofnat Eliyah). When there is a lack of unity, there is not redemption.
According to our thesis, the fourth generation could have been counted from Avraham and could have ended with Yehuda and Yosef. More unity was needed and was missing. Let us pray that we will merit unity and repentance in the very near future.
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
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Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
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.
