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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.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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.
