YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayechi
Let us compare the language of the two relevant conversations. In the first one, the brothers start with the offer/request that they will be Yosef’s slaves, and then when he reveals his identity and tells them that he is their brother whom they sold into slavery and cries, he consoles them with his contention that this sale brought about their survival during the famine (Bereishit 45:2-5). In our parasha, they again offer to be slaves and Yosef again cries, but while Yosef placates their greatest fears, he does say that the brothers had thought in an ill manner about him (ibid. 50:17-20).
Although the two episodes share fear, crying, and putting a somewhat positive spin on the family’s history, there are differences. The second one does not mention the sale of Yosef, but, on the other hand, there is more focus on the brothers’ bad thoughts than on the salvation that came about. The idea behind this is that while the sale itself was atoned for by Yehuda’s willingness to be a slave instead of Binyamin, the brothers’ intention to remove Yosef from Eretz Yisrael and from Yaakov’s family was not fully resolved.
This matter is actually resolved in a third meeting between the brothers, at the end of Sefer Bereishit, as Yosef was preparing to die. At that time, Yosef prophesies that at some time in the future, the family/nation would leave Egypt, and Yosef makes them swear that they will return his remains to Eretz Yisrael, in which he has a double portion (ibid. 50:24-25).
In Yosef’s dreams, in the beginning of Parashat Vayeishev, Yosef stresses that he is a successor of the patriarchs, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, who prophesied through dreams. For that reason, he was fit to inherit the Land that Hashem gave to them. When the brothers sold Yosef into slavery and to Egypt, they in effect denied both of these contentions. Yaakov promises Yosef that he would in fact receive a double portion in the Land, giving him a status of a firstborn (ibid. 48:21-22). Yosef passes on word of this status to his brothers and makes them swear that they will return him to Eretz Yisrael from where he was kidnapped and removed. Fulfillment of that oath will repair the damage of the sin. In that way, the brothers recognize Yosef’s leadership in all aspects. This mends the tear that began with the horrible moment of the ripping of Yosef’s special coat.
There is no liberation without internal peace within the nation.
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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
