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We will begin with opinions in Chazal and commentators. Unkelus translates the pasuk as "no one will be allowed to raise his hands to take a weapon or his leg to ride on a horse." This is also the explanation of Midrash Sechel Tov (Miketz 41:44) and Rashi. Thus, according to them, it precluded actions that were military in nature.
The Rashbam (Rashi’s grandson) widened the meaning of the phrase significantly. He says that in order for anyone to receive a position of power, he needed Yosef’s approval, not only if it was in the realm of military. The Rashbam cited as a precedent for support of such a meaning of lifting of the hand, the pasuk about Yeravam ben Nevat: "This is the matter that Yeravam lifted his hand against the king" (i.e., he rebelled) (Melachim I, 11:26-28). The Ibn Ezra goes in the same direction and also connects it to the leg. He says that lifting the leg refers to freedom of travel. He also raises the possibility that the phrase is metaphorical.
After asking apologies, we want to suggest a different approach. We find, in several places in Tanach, that lifting the hand can be a reference to taking an oath. Avraham said to the king of Sodom: "I am raising my hand to Hashem, the elevated G-d, possessor of heaven and land" (Bereishit 14:22). Hashem also uses that terminology about Himself: "I shall bring you to the Land about which I raised My hand to give it to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov" (Shemot 6:8). We also find the lifting of the leg related to oaths, as Eliezer put his hand by Avram’s crotch (Bereishit 24:2), which is possible only if one lifts his leg. Yaakov did the same in administering an oath to Yosef (Bereishit 47:29). According to this, no one was allowed to take an oath, i.e., accept a serious commercial obligation, without first receiving permission from Yosef. According to all explanations, the scope of Yosef’s authority was overwhelming.
On these days of giving thanks to Hashem for his miracles, let us join our forefathers, who gave thanks for what happened "in those days at this time."
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)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
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)
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: 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)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
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
