Mikeitz – Page 16 – Peninim on the Torah

“And you shall not say to them, ‘Why did you pay back bad for good? Is not this in which my master drinks, and whereby he indeed divines…'” (44:4-5)

What did Yosef want to emphasize with the additional and seemingly redundant phrase, “You have done evil in so doing”? Horav Shlomo Harkavi Z”l. cites the Chovas Halevovos, who distinguishes between two obligatory approaches to serving Hashem. One orientation is simply that the Torah implores it. It is Hashem’s command that one performs mitzvos and avoids transgression. Hashem also demands of us that every action we do, every undertaking in which we involve ourselves, be consistent with “sechel ha’yashar,” common sense. One who acts in an irrational manner is truly reprehensible. When one is involved in a criminal act, such…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5753

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?…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5753

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….

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5753

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…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5753

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Mikeitz

“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…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Mikeitz

“And now let Pharaoh look for an understanding and wise man.” (37:1-2)

It is interesting to note Yosef’s boldness in taking the initiative to offer Pharaoh advice. Pharaoh was searching only for someone to interpret his dreams, not one to direct him in the administration of the country! Why then was Yosef so brazen to volunteer his gratuitous suggestions? Horav Nissan Alpert Z”l explains that Yosef’s attitude was not only appropriate, but necessary, for his acceptance in the Egyptian hierarchy. When Pharaoh chose to designate Yosef as viceroy over Egypt, his intimate advisors were concerned that he appointed a lowly servant to a powerful position. There was no precedent in Egyptian history…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Mikeitz

“And they said one to another, we are surely guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the distress of his soul when he beseeched us, and we would not listen. Therefore this distress has befallen us. And Reuven answered them saying, did I not say to you do not sin against the child.” (42:21-22)

When Yosef accused his brothers of spying, they quickly comprehended that this distressful situation was brought upon them as retribution for their involvement in the selling of Yosef. Consequently, it seems puzzling that when the silver with which they purchased the corn was returned in their baggage, they were not able to see that this development was a sign of further retribution from Hashem for their sin. The Midrash explains that every act demonstrating Yosef’s behavior and attitude towards his brothers was to serve as a reminder of their previous ill-treatment of Yosef. This enabled them to repent which led…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Mikeitz

“And Hashem Almighty shall grant you sympathy in the presence of the man.” (43:14)

The word ohnjr (sympathy) designates the attribute of Hashem which is the most general and secure. It is the fundamental trait by which the relationship among people should be characterized. “ohnjr” reflects family love – the love of parents to children, children to parents, the love of children one to another on account of the common “ojr” (womb), from where they all originate. This definition conflicts with the popular definition of “,ubnjr” (pity), which we are inclined to accept. Indeed, pity is a feeling with less essence than that of true ohnjr. Which is more ennobling: to be moved to…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Mikeitz

“And as I am already bereaved (of my child), (so also) I am bereaved (43:14)

Yaakov thought that he was sending Binyamin into a perilous place; in reality, he was sending him to his loving brother, who wielded great power in Egypt. Perhaps no place was more secure for Binyamin than “Yosef’s” Egypt. The entire narrative, demonstrates that those circumstances which are seemingly hopeless can be in actuality beneficial. Yosef’s afflictions were necessary to his attaining the highest power in Egypt. His brothers however, who feared the dreaded vice-regent of Egypt, were in error, for that dreaded and evil Egyptian was none other than their loving brother, Yosef. The lesson to be noted is that…

Home -> Mikeitz -> 5751

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Mikeitz

“And Pharaoh dreamed, and behold he stood by the river.” (41:1)

The Torah recounts the story of Pharaoh’s dreams, how he saw seven healthy cows being consumed by seven meager and thin ones. He also dreamt a second dream where seven thin sheaves of corn consumed seven fat ones. All of Pharaoh’s wise men attempted to interpret these dreams, but not to Pharaoh’s satisfaction. Yosef’s interpretation of seven good years followed by seven years of famine was accepted, and Yosef was appointed the viceroy to the king. Why was this? What was so unique and significant about Yosef’s interpretation? The difference between the interpretations lies in the focus of the dreams….

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> 5754 ->

“And you shall not say to them, ‘Why did you pay back bad for good? Is not this in which my master drinks, and whereby he indeed divines…'” (44:4-5)

“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)

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

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

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

“And now let Pharaoh look for an understanding and wise man.” (37:1-2)

“And they said one to another, we are surely guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the distress of his soul when he beseeched us, and we would not listen. Therefore this distress has befallen us. And Reuven answered them saying, did I not say to you do not sin against the child.” (42:21-22)

“And Hashem Almighty shall grant you sympathy in the presence of the man.” (43:14)

“And as I am already bereaved (of my child), (so also) I am bereaved (43:14)

“And Pharaoh dreamed, and behold he stood by the river.” (41:1)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!