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In contrast, for the righteous, Hashem exists on top of them (ibid.), as the Torah says, "And indeed Hashem was standing above [Yaakov]" (Bereishit 28:17). The purpose of Yaakov’s life was not to receive but to give, in the proper way. He strove to serve Hashem in the purest, cleanest way. The more he could do it without intention to receive benefit, the happier he was. Such people do not come to provide the "taste that the pallet is used to" but to "improve the taste," so that one can "enjoy the taste of giving." The idea is not to connect oneself to tangible things but to nullify oneself to the point that he can cling to Hashem.
The Baal Hatanya would sing: "I do not want the lower Gan Eden and not even the higher Gan Eden. I want only You; my spirit is thirsty for You; my flesh yearns for You." Certainly, not everyone can reach such levels, and even one who approaches this level cannot keep it up at all times of the day. However, this is the goal and aspiration. This is what Yaakov wanted, and that is the reason that he saw Hashem standing above him.
When the self-absorbed, powerful Paroh dreamed, he could only dream about his interests. People reasoned that not only is man self-absorbed but so must be Hashem, in Whose image man was created. That is why no one could interpret Paroh’s dream correctly, even though the correct one seems pretty obvious. Famine and plenty – why would Paroh dream about that? He is not going to go hungry; it affects only the people, not him! So they assumed it had to do with daughters or honor (see Bereishit Rabba 89:6).
When Yosef entered the picture, Paroh started seeing things differently and related that he was standing on the banks of the Nile (Bereishit 41:13). Paroh was shaken by the mysterious dream, and then Yosef told him: "That which Hashem is doing He has told Paroh" (ibid. 25). Hashem wanted Paroh to follow His lead and think about his subjects. Then the solution was simple: plenty and famine for the people.
Yosef, who was viewed so poorly by his brothers, came up with the solution. He had lofty intentions and saw in his predicament an opportunity to sustain his family. That is why he did not get carried away with his success. Rather he concentrated on making a worthy arrangement for his father, including a family yeshiva, even in the land of impurity.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
