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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
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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.
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.
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.