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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayechi
Another midrash (Sechel Tov, Vayechi 50:24) goes into more detail on this "secret code" to convince the nation that they should trust the bearer of the news of pakod yifkod. It adds on the significance of the next word in the pasuk: "pakod yifkod etchem" (He will certainly redeem you (plural)). The midrash explains that Hashem knew and told them that He would shorten the prescribed time of exile because of the crying out of the masses.
What is the significance of pakod yifkod? Is it simply some type of secret password? What would happen if the secret of the code would leak out and an unauthorized person would use it? What does the midrash mean by saying the liberation was dependent on the masses, and how did they see it in the p’sukim? Is it simply from the use of etchem in the plural? Wasn’t that grammatically necessary because Yosef was speaking to his several brothers?
To deal with these difficult questions, we will raise the following suggestion. Yosef used specifically the double language of pakod yifkod to teach us that the goal of the Exodus, the first liberation, and as a continuation of it, the final liberation, will be a liberation of the masses, of the nation as a nation, including all of its parts. It is not enough to leave Egypt for the purpose of ceasing to be slaves. The challenge is much, much more all-inclusive and lofty. The nation leaving Egypt must turn into an independent entity, which lives in and as an independent state with all of its trappings. A state with a government and an army, an office of agriculture and an office of commerce and industry, a foreign affairs department and an office of finance. The idea is that it is not just individuals who must serve Hashem as individuals, as it was in the time of the patriarchs. Rather, there must be an independent state in whose public life, all parts of the public are partners in the implementation of the Torah of the patriarchs.
Pakod yifkod is a prompt to establish a society of justice and kindness, where all are assured a fair deal. There must be a society that is concerned about its weaker elements, and to which other countries can look to learn how every element of society is properly handled. Society must include not only the righteous, but also those on an average level, and even the wicked. Society cannot give up on anyone, even if it strives for a situation in which as many as possible will be righteous.
Pakod tells us we need mefakdim (officers) and mefakdim of mefakdim. Yosef taught his brothers that liberation is not to solve the problems of individuals. Liberation of only the ideal members of society is not liberation. The liberator must inform the nation that he is there for all of them. That is Yosef’s secret!
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(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)
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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)
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
