5753

“And Yisrael said, why have you dealt ill with me, to tell the man that you had yet a brother.” (43:6)

From his loss of Yosef until this juncture, the Torah refers to the Patriarch as Yaakov. This is the first instance in which the Torah refers to him with the name Yisrael, signifying strength. The name Yaakov implies a depressed state of mind in which one feels despondent It describes one who is “limping behind” circumstances (as in uag ceg – Eisav’s heel), unable to master over them. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., explains his sudden change in the following manner: The believing Jew only feels despondent when he is at a loss to know what he should do. The righteous…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Mikeitz

“We are all sons of one man….your servants are not spies.” (42:11)

The Ramban offers insight into the dialogue between Yosef and his brothers. Yosef questioned the need for all the brothers of such a prestigious family to journey to Egypt to purchase food. Obviously, such a mission could have been accomplished by a few of the brothers, together with an entourage of servants. The brothers responded that “we are sons of one man” – and our father, seeking to minister to the needs of brotherhood and unity, insisted that we travel together. Such a journey of togetherness would promote brotherly love. Horav A. H. Lebowitz, Shlita, notes that Yaakov’s decision…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Mikeitz

“For Hashem has made me forget all my previous misfortune and all my father’s house.” (41:51)

The usual translation for ohekt hbab is “Hashem has made me forget, (all my previous misfortune and all my father’s house).” This notion engenders a distasteful feeling. It seems objectionable that Yosef would be anxious to disassociate himself with his elderly father and all of his family. Horav S.R. Hirsch, z.l., notes that this would explain Yosef’s deficiency in getting in touch with his family for such a long time. To state, however, that Yosef’s heart was so cold is simply preposterous! The various commentaries imply justifiable reasons for Yosef’s inaction. Horav Hirsch cites another interpretation for the word hbab….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Mikeitz

“So now let Pharaoh look for a man discreet and wise. And set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, appoint officers over the land and impose a fifth on the land of Egypt during the seven years of plenty.” (41:33,34)

Yosef advised Pharaoh to seek a wise man who would be capable of managing Egypt during the ensuing years of plenty and famine. Yosef was chosen for this position because of his profound wisdom. He proceeded to suggest that food be stored during the years of plenty in order to provide sustenance for the Egyptian people during the approaching years of famine. At first glance, Yosef’s advice hardly indicates great wisdom! Any person with minimal intelligence would realize that one must prepare for the years of famine during the years of abundance. What was the mark of Yosef’s great wisdom?…

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YEARS

“And Yisrael said, why have you dealt ill with me, to tell the man that you had yet a brother.” (43:6)

“We are all sons of one man….your servants are not spies.” (42:11)

“For Hashem has made me forget all my previous misfortune and all my father’s house.” (41:51)

“So now let Pharaoh look for a man discreet and wise. And set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, appoint officers over the land and impose a fifth on the land of Egypt during the seven years of plenty.” (41:33,34)

BOOK OF BEREISHIS

BOOK OF SHEMOS

BOOK OF VAYIKRAH

BOOK OF BAMIDBAR

BOOK OF DEVARIM

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