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There were two patriarchs who each "inherited" his status from his illustrious father. Yitzchak was promised his central role in receiving the protection, blessings, and responsibilities of a covenant with Hashem "because of your father, Avraham" (see Bereishit 26:24).Yitzchak received his father’s blessing, enabling his success, as we read in this week’s parasha. But neither result was taken for granted.
Avraham was reluctant at best to choose one son (Yitzchak) over another (Yishmael) (see Bereishit 21:10-11). Hashem got involved directly, instructing Avraham to put his clear priority on Yitzchak (ibid. 12), a lesson which we see later Avraham fully internalized (see ibid. 25:5-6). Yitzchak emerged victorious without having to do anything. On the other hand, there was also an apparent threat to Yitzchak’s very existence. Avraham was commanded to place him on an altar as a human sacrifice, only for that commandment to be clarified to mean that he should place him but not slaughter him. In this context, Yitzchak was called upon to play a crucial, even if physically passive, role. He allowed his father to proceed and prepare to kill him without so much as a protest or complaint. This great event solidified the status and provided unparalleled merit not only to Avraham but to Yitzchak and through each, to their descendants.
Yaakov’s status in the legacy of his forebears was very much in question, with Yitzchak deciding to give a prominent beracha to Eisav. Here, Hashem did not directly intervene. Rather, his mother had to devise a difficult plan, and Yaakov had to (reluctantly) carry it out without explicit divine command but based on parental leadership which stretched the moral imagination, at apparent peril (see ibid. 27:12). (Of course, Hashem brought the success "behind the scenes.") In contrast, when it came to physical survival, Yaakov was endangered by two relatives who had plans of harming him, Lavan and Eisav. In this case, Yaakov was not morally tested, like Yitzchak had been. He "got into trouble" by following Hashem’s directive to return to his father’s home at the time and in the manner that Hashem prescribed, and Hashem warned Lavan (ibid. 31:24) and changed the sentiment of Eisav.
So, in this way too, we see the patriarchs, as harbingers of the future of generations of offspring to follow the proper precedents. It is not simple to survive, and it is not simple to thrive spiritually. No amount of human initiative will succeed without the good will of Hashem, and His assistance will always be necessary. On the other hand, we will not be in the situation to receive Hashem’s full grace without some level of proper action. Our nation is, by divine design, built on role models who emerged successful because of a combination of their greatness and willingness to sacrifice and stand up and do the right thing, along with unique Divine Providence.
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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)
