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Two of last century’s great kohanim – Rav Meir Simcha of Dvinsk and Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook – provided approaches. Rav Meir Simcha proposed that Yaakov left out camels to hint that his approach was different from Eisav’s. Eisav, the son of two saintly parents, Yitzchak and Rivka, had redeeming qualities – he stayed in Eretz Yisrael for many years, where he tithed his earnings and honored his parents admirably. However, Chazal tell us that these good deeds were accompanied by the most serious sins, including murder and adultery (see Rashi, Bereishit 25:25-29). In that way, the camel represented his qualities, in that it has one of the kosher signs (chews its cud) and yet is non-kosher because of the other one (lack of split hooves). Yaakov, in not associating himself with camels, hinted he was tam (complete) unlike Eisav – his actions did not create any signs of impurity.
Rav Kook, in the section of his siddur that deals with Purim, shows many words/word sets made from the letters of the word megilla. One of the several is gamal kah (Hashem has granted), with the first word also spelling camel. The historical struggle against Amalek (Eisav’s descendant) has an interesting connection to camels. David successfully fought Amalek and the only escapees were "400 youngsters who rode on camels" (Shmuel I, 30:17). Chazal (Midrash Rabba 78:15) connect this fact to the apparent disappearance of Eisav’s 400 men, the original number of the militia Eisav took with him to "greet" Yaakov. However, when Eisav actually encountered Yaakov, the narrative does not mention them, prompting the midrash to posit that one by one, they backed out of the encounter. It goes on to say that these people were rewarded in the form of the 400 Amalekites who escaped David’s battle. This shows us that Hashem grants reward (gomel) to those whose actions warrant it. The gemalim were absent, says Rav Kook, on account of the reward (gemul) of the positive action (gemul tov) that those who did not harm Yaakov’s family received.
This week’s haftara also repeats this concept of gemul for gemul – in the negative. Eisav’s descendants were informed that they will experience harsh gemul for the cruel actions (gemul) they did to Bnei Yisrael (Ovadia 1:10-15). The navi said that their gemul would return on their heads, an idea highlighted by the use of the root four times in one set of p’sukim in Yoel (4:4,7). In this case it was also a fulfillment of the prophecy to Rivka, that the older one would be subservient to the younger one.
May we see the fulfillment of the prophecy of Ovadia (1:21) about the recognition of the sons of Yishmael and Eisav at the time of our liberation. The blessings Yaakov received will show that there is an appropriate gemul for both the positive and negative actions of individuals and nations.
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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.
