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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!
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.