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Many commentators struggle with the implication of the phrase, "Yosef will put his hand on your eyes." The Rashbam understands that Yosef would take care of all of Yaakov’s needs. Ibn Ezra goes in the direction that Yosef would stay with him until Yaakov’s death, at which time he would cover Yaakov’s eyes, as is customary. According to the latter commentary, it is connected to the matter of leaving Egypt, which also occurred only after death. According to both explanations, the order of the sentence’s components is problematic, as the matter of Yosef’s hands took place before Yaakov left Egypt.
We find a totally different approach to this concept in Rav Meir Simcha’s work, Meshech Chochma. The covering of the eyes was an assurance that Yaakov need not and should not concern himself with a theological investigation as to the reason that he had to go down to Egypt. The reason, he was told, was similar to the fact that Yosef had to suffer in a manner that was hard to understand at the time in order that he would make it to Egypt, be a ruler, and publicize correct theologies.
According to the Meshech Chochma, the migration to and from Egypt that accompanied the separation from Yosef was something that had a very special purpose that was hidden for quite some time. With Yosef’s help and with that of the subsequent migration of his brothers and their families, a major step was taken in the effort to "fix the world in the dominion of Hashem." Yosef, viceroy to Pharaoh, tried to create a monotheistic revolution in the idolatrous Egypt and publicize correct theologies. If the matter of Yosef’s mission had only been known earlier, then a lot of wonders would have been clarified.
The p’sukim in Tehillim (105: 17-22) actually corroborate this thesis very strongly. "He sent before them [Egypt] a man; Yosef was sold as a slave. They oppressed his leg with shackles; iron went to his soul. Until the time that His word came, the word of Hashem strengthened him. He sent a king and untied him; the ruler of nations opened his shackles. He made him a master in his house and one with dominion over all of his possessions. To incarcerate his officers at will, and his elders he would make wise." Yosef’s mission was to bring an improvement in the spiritual approach through his impact on the elite of the superpower’s leadership.
It is important to remember these days, when we think the whole world is against us, that the final goal is to unite humanity around the idea of belief in One G-d, with the center of this theological movement being in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people.
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)
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
