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Another intriguing pattern occurs with Yehuda’s sons. Peretz, Yehuda’s firstborn from Tamar, appears in our parasha among those who descended to Egypt, along with his firstborn, Hetzron (46:12). Peretz is the patriarch of the royal dynasty (Mashiach is called "son of Peretz"). Yet Divrei Hayamim reveals a surprise: Hetzron had three sons—Yerachme’el, Ram, and Kluvai (I, 2:9), and David descended from Ram, the second son, not Yerachme’el (2:10-15). Thus, the phenomenon of leadership not coming from the firstborn occurred in both families.
The struggle for leadership continued into the next generation. Menashe and Ephrayim enjoyed noble status in Egypt through Yosef’s position, while Yehuda’s sons claimed leadership as descendants of the brothers’ leader who took responsibility for Benjamin. Both claimants’ statuses were influenced by their wives’ identities, as marriage often was a tool in the pursuit of status.
Divrei Hayamim reveals that Menashe had two wives. According to the Metzudot’s explanation of a cryptic pasuk (I, 7:14), Menashe married a proper Jewish woman but then took an Aramean concubine during a war of conquest. As taking a concubine is proper only for kings (Rambam, Melachim 4:4), he declared himself a king and created international diplomatic ties with Arameans. This marriage to a foreign princess for political purposes disqualified him from leadership and firstborn status. However, since he also married a proper woman, he lost his status only partially, and her descendants received inheritance in Eretz Yisrael proper. Those from his Aramean concubine were pushed east of the Jordan.
Similar events occurred in Yehuda’s family: "Yerachme’el had another wife, and her name was Atara; she was the mother of Onam" (Divrei Hayamim I 2:26). The term "another wife" hints at a serious problem, resembling the navi’s use of this phrase regarding Yiftach’s mother (Shoftim 11:2). According to the Yerushalmi (Sanhedrin 2:3), Yerachme’el married a non-Jewish woman to adorn himself with her crown. Atara was a high-ranking Egyptian princess. Yerachme’el thought this marriage would secure his status of nobility, but the result was the opposite, as with Menashe’s concubine.
These episodes teach that moral missteps disqualify one from leadership. Both cases occurred before the giving of the Torah, yet the consequences were harsh. Since the Torah was given, "marriage" with a non-Jew is strictly forbidden. Additionally, the children of a Jewish man and non-Jewish woman are not Jewish and can only enter the Jewish covenant through full conversion. Even when the mother is Jewish and the father is not, assimilation almost certainly occurs quickly.
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)
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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)
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.
