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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Asher Ben Haim
Various answers that are given show the limitations of the power of the likes of Yosef among the nations of the world. The Ramban says that Yosef could not support the family while they remained in a foreign land. He was afraid that people would suspect he was smuggling resources out to pad his own "Swiss bank accounts" with Egyptian money so that he could leave the country and keep its money. While his family was in Egypt, everyone would see that he was only supporting them.
Although Egypt’s people and leadership realized that Yosef deserved whatever he needed for his extended family and, on one level, gave him full trust, they never were willing to fully trust the Hebrew. Yosef, for his part, wanted to remain not only with clean hands but with visibly clean hands. Yosef spoke from experience. How long did it take for him to go from the biggest asset in Potiphar’s estate to a prisoner falsely convicted without trial of attempted rape? (This is not a bad lesson for fine Jews throughout the world, who could suddenly find themselves under public scrutiny.)
The Netziv explains that Yosef stressed his special standing enabled him to not only secure a place in Egypt, but a secluded place, the Land of Goshen. This fulfilled Yaakov’s desire that his falmily should be badad (alone among the nations), as witnessed by the pasuk in Devarim 33:28). That same pasuk also talks about betach (secure), which The Netziv elsewhere (see Bereishit 31:46) explains to mean at peace with the nations around him. It appears that the urgency of Yosef’s urging was along the following lines. The family would eventually spend a difficult period in exile, as Hashem had decreed in Brit Bein Habetarim (Beresihit 15:13). Better to start it when Yosef could arrange the most survivable experience possible. Thus, Yosef’s present ability to set up a semi-autonomous enclave warranted bringing down the family immediately.
As history would prove, Bnei Yisrael would be enslaved under the pretext of suspected treason. This scenario would repeat itself in different countries (e.g., Spain, Germany) in different times, under different pretexts, with different degrees of tragedy. Let us hope that the need for exile is over and that all should seize the opportunity to return home, where we hope to have no reason to "look over our shoulders."
Igrot Hare’aya Excitement over a Friend’s New Newspaper – #319
Date and Place: 4 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot
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Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
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(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
