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Beit Midrash
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A harsh conflict, which reached its apex with the sale of Yosef, split the family of Yaakov. Between the two leaders of their respective mothers’ parts of the family, Yehuda (from Leah and connected to Zilpa) and Yosef (from Rachel and connected to Bilha), we see tension that continues from Parashat Vayeishev until Parashat Vayechi.
The overall leadership, from the perspective of Sefer Bereishit, lands unequivocally in the hands of Yosef the son of Rachel. He was, after all, Paroh’s viceroy, and arguably the most powerful person in the world, and his brothers and their families needed to be "under his wings." This fulfilled Yosef’s dream about his brothers and actually the whole world bowing down to him.
How were the tears in the fabric of the nation mended? This is not divulged in Sefer Bereishit. However, there are strong indications on the matter in Divrei Hayamim, which tells of Chetzron, son of Peretz and grandson of Yehuda, marrying the daughter of Machir (I, 2:21), the son of Menashe and grandson of Yosef. Menashe, as the firstborn son of Yosef and thus the equivalent of a prince in Egypt, took an army and captured significant land east of the Jordan, which the Torah calls Gilad (the name of Machir's son). So already relatively early in the time that Bnei Yisrael were in Egypt, there was at least this prominent connection through marriage between the rival tribes.
The son of this important union, Seguv, who halachically and normally would be considered from the tribe of Yehuda, bore a son named Yair, who "had twenty three cities in the Land of Gilad" (Divrei Hayamim ibid. 22). In other words, he lived among the tribe of his maternal grandfather, Menashe. In this way, members of the tribe of Yehuda, from Leah, lived as noblemen among the descendants of Yosef and Rachel. This is the best glue to stick the pieces of the nation together.
These bonds find expression hundreds of years later, during the development of the reign of David. David was originally king only over his tribe, Yehuda. After Shaul died, he turned to the people of Yavesh Gilad, in the section of Menashe on the east bank, in which the transplanted Judeans lived. David offered them partnership in forming a united kingdom, after Shaul’s death (Shmuel II, 2:5-7). This was a strategic opportunity to continue the process of reuniting the factions within the nation. (We will develop this theme at length in the upcoming sefer, Tzofnat Shmuel.)
Let us pray that we too will merit having unity in our nation, whether those who live in Eretz Yisrael or those who live abroad.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
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)
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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.
