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These new practices were also connected to the development of quarrels between the brothers. Yosef brought his father negative reports about his brothers (Bereishit 37:2). Warm feelings were missing in the family. It is true that Chazal criticized Yosef for these reports and related to them as PARTIAL justification for the actions his brothers took against Yosef, we also find that they recognized the very close emotional connection that existed between Yaakov and Yosef.
There is a very clear contrast between Yaakov and Eisav. Eisav took pride in and took steps to increase his power in the world (Bereishit Rabba 63:7). Yaakov chose paths that avoided Eisav and avoided trouble. He did not react decisively over the actions of Shechem against Dina. He progressed on his journey slowly, to handle his children and flock carefully. In contrast, Eisav attained "desired clothes" (see Bereishit 27:15) and pursued beauty and glory, even if the price of that pursuit was the need to kill people. He paved the path of his "cultural" attainment with hundreds of people trampled and choked.
On the other hand, we cannot deny that Yaakov was missing some of the sharp finishes that Eisav used effectively. It seems that over-hesitancy was a part of Yaakov’s makeup. Chazal, for example, were not happy that Yaakov bowed down eight times when approaching his brother (Bereishit Rabba 75:11).
This is where Yosef came along. He merged the characteristics of his father and his uncle. He unveiled a new style, interested in his hair and his eyes. But on the other hand, even when he already had a grasp on dominion, he still reminded his brothers that he was connected to the Torah he learned with his father (see Rashi ibid. 45:27). When his master’s wife offered him all that he could desire, he did not delay a moment and ran away from sin. His good looks and style did not blemish his morality. His externalities did not come at the expense of his internal rectitude. This is the characteristic with which he approached power and which Paroh appreciated.
Centuries later, at the time of the Hasmoneans, when the Greeks stood up against Israel, they attacked with the idea of an ox (which is the symbol of Yosef – see Devarim 33:17). The Greeks said: "Write on the horn of an ox that you do not have a part in the G-d of Israel" (Bereishit Rabba 5:4). Pious Jews gave their lives in sanctification of His Name and in battle. That awoke the power of the ox within Israel. They did not go like sheep to the slaughter, but stood with strength. The negative writing on the ox’s horn was replaced with the internal and external characteristic of power from Yosef.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.