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Yosef’s dreams aroused his brothers’ hatred (Bereishit 37:4-5). The big question is why Yosef was not concerned that his dreams, representing his brother’s bowing down to him, would cause great discord. This not only precipitated, in his personal life, his being sold as a slave, but also historically is linked to the division of the unified Kingdom of Israel into two kingdoms in the time of Rechavam and Yerovam. Chazal also connect this event to the destruction of the two Temples.
In the past, we discussed the approaches of the Rosh and Abarbanel. We will, this time, reread the Torah’s account of the interaction with new sensitivity. Yosef started the story of the dream with, "We were tying sheaves in the midst of the field, and my sheaf got up and was erect, and your sheaves turned and bowed down toward my sheaf" (ibid. 7). Yosef’s brothers reacted harshly: "Shall you be king over us, or have dominion over us?" (ibid. 8). Reacting to his second dream about the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowing down to him, Yaakov scolded Yosef for his dream’s implications (ibid. 10). The stress of the brothers’ criticism was their understanding that Yosef would take steps to subjugate and control his family.
However, Yosef had a different, even opposite, intention. He was trying to give a message of unity, reconciliation, and repair of the existing strained relationship (stemming from his special garment and reporting of their misdeeds). He spoke about "anachnu" (we), as Avraham had spoken to Lot (see ibid. 13:8). He meant that even though we are different and have different roles, we were together in the field.
Unfortunately, it took a long time for the brothers to internalize the positive in Yosef’s presentation. After remembering Yosef’s dreams, during the brothers’ unknowing meeting with him in Egypt, they told Yosef, with an unnecessary usage of the word nachnu (short for anachnu): "We are all the sons of one man" (ibid. 42:9-11).
Going back to Yosef’s first dream, they were not just together but tying sheaves in the field. Sheaves symbolize connection and unity, and the field represents, in kabbalistic thought, service of Hashem. Yosef’s message was that if they would work together in the service of Hashem, they would merit a divine revelation. (Yosef described his sheaf as nitzava (standing up), which, we have discussed, is a hint of Divine Presence (see Shemot 19:17; 34:5).). Yosef was careful in his presentation of the bowing down; he was not forcing them to do it, but they decided to do so of their own volition. True, it was he who would be the leader of this joint service of Hashem.
Unfortunately, Yosef’s vision for the future was not well received. Yosef said one thing; his brothers and father heard another. There was not enough listening. It took many years for the dreams to be fulfilled and for the family to coalesce around Yosef, through which the eventual liberation from Egypt would occur.
On Chanuka, the festival of unifying lights, we pray for effective discussion within the State of Israel, the beginning of our redemption. May we learn how to listen to each other and fulfill unifying dreams together!
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.
