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But for all that, the story is not a pretty one. In fact, you might say that the selling of Yosef is "the sin that keeps on giving." Chazal say it is this horrendous crime that causes Bnei Yisrael to be enslaved in Egypt, enduring every kind of atrocity, for more than 100 years. And centuries later, in the infamous Eleh Ezkera/Martyrology section we read in the Yom Kippur Machzor, it surfaces again as background to the murder of Judaism’s leading rabbis.
Of course, it is based on a Battle between Brothers, an all-too-common malady that has afflicted us through the ages (bear in mind that our classic enemies – the Arabs of Yishmael, Moav, Edom/Europe & even Amalek are all related by blood to Am Yisrael!). In this case, it is Yosef’s siblings who despise Yosef almost beyond belief. This is strikingly demonstrated at the Sedra’s start. The pasuk (37:6) says "Yosef dreamt a dream & told his brothers, & they hated him even more." But only in the next pasuk does Yosef actually tell his brothers what the dream actually is! Their enmity is abstract, instinctive, automatic.
The pasuk also says, "They hated him, v’lo yachlu dabru l’Shalom." (They could not speak to him in peace). The Vilna Gaon comments: When a Jew takes leave of another Jew, he should not say, "Lech B’Shalom," which is more appropriate for the deceased, but rather "Lech L’Shalom," which is for the living. So pervasive was the brothers hate that they couldn’t even bring themselves to use the word "L’Shalom" when speaking to Yosef!
What can be done to correct this horrible malady?
Enter Chanuka. This story, too, sadly begins on a note of brotherly in-fighting. The Jews are divided between the Hellenists, who are intent on emulating the culture & mores of the Greeks, & the Chashmonaim, who firmly believe that only by preserving our uniquely Jewish way of life will we survive the ravages of history. The two factions of the Jewish People must confront one another & come to a meeting of the minds. Eventually, the nation rallies around the Maccabim; the Greeks are defeated & the purity of Am Yisrael is restored.
The lasting symbol of the holiday is, of course, the Chanukiya. Not only does it remind us of the power of faith & the danger of diluting Judaism, its many branches represent the reality that brothers can have their own identity, & standalone. Yet at the same time, we must remember that we come from the same base, the same source, & the unique light that each of us emanates also goes to the very same destination: Heaven & Hashem.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
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.
