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The leadership struggle between Yehuda and Yosef, for the time and for all of history, accompanies the narrative starting from Parashat Vayeishev, including harsh events. On the other hand, there were also moments of great grace and self-sacrifice that healed wounds. These moments allowed the tensions to ease and enabled national energies to be channeled for positive matters.
The offspring of Yehuda and of Yosef had a common denominator – they had a status of nobility in the Israelite community in Egypt. Yosef is considered the crown of his brothers (Bereishit 49:26), as his standing as viceroy elevated the whole family. Yehuda, on the other hand, was a major part of the delegation who felt the need to approach Yosef after Yaakov’s funeral, with the suggestion of "We are slaves to you" (ibid. 50:18). The descendants of Yosef’s son Menashe were also frustrated over the fact that Yaakov gave precedence and prominence to Ephrayim and his family (ibid. 48:19-20).
What did these families (families used to be the dominant factors in a couple’s match) do to deal with their situation? The pasuk (Divrei Hayamim I, 2:21-22) tells that Chetzron (the firstborn of Yehuda’s most prominent son, Peretz, through whom went the chain to the monarchal dynasty) married the daughter of Menashe’s son Machir. One of this couple’s offspring was the prominent Yair. This marriage occurred many years before the Exodus from Egypt. We note that Machir also married off his daughter to a tribesman of Binyamin (compare Divrei Hayamim I, 7:11 and Bereishit 46:21).
It is possible to look at these steps as "alliances of the disappointed losers," as at the time, Chetzron, Menashe, and Binyamin were not in leadership positions. But we prefer to raise a different possibility with a stronger message, which is more likely to be true. The people of Yehuda, as led by Chetzron, and the people of Yosef, as led by Machir, understood that the tension between Yehuda and Yosef, which caused the sale of Yosef and thereby the exile to Egypt, needed to be remedied.
Only repentance and acceptance of the concept of mutual responsibility could advance the nation and ensure redemption. The sons of Leah had to be ready to pay a price and Yosef had to show magnanimity in forgiving his brothers. These steps paved the way for the future wedding that furthered the joining together of the potentially rival tribes. This joining together is far better than the question of "Who will be at the head?"
Mutual responsibility and being willing to share the burden are that which advance Israel toward repentance of portions of the nation, in the religious and the social realms, and full liberation.
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)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 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)
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
