Vayigash – Page 14 – Peninim on the Torah

“And Yaakov rose up from Beer Sheva, and the Bnei Yisrael carried Yaakov, their father… And all his children he brought with him to Egypt.” (46:5,7)

Horav E.M. Bloch z.t.l. makes note of the contrast between these two pesukim. Originally the pasuk states that Yaakov was carried by his sons, and it ends by remarking that all the children came along with Yaakov. This is enigmatic! Is Yaakov the leader, or is he being led? Horav Bloch explains that indeed Yaakov was in charge, leading and guiding his flock, encouraging and preparing them for the long arduous journey through Egyptian exile. He was, however, old and frail, physically delicate from his many years of anguish. His condition demanded that he be carried. Nonetheless, Yaakov was their…

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“These are the names of the Bnei Yisrael who came to Egypt.” (46:8)

Rashi notes that the Torah uses the present tense in this pasuk. He explains that the verb tense refers to the actual time at which they arrived in Egypt. This seems surprising. If the pasuk is referring back to the time of arrival, it should have stated; “Who came to Egypt”. The Belzar Rebbe z.t.l. derives from this pasuk an important lesson for the Jew in galus, exile. The Jews must always view themselves as having just arrived on this very day. They are still brand new arrivals. Their source of guidance is still Yaakov, the Patriarch. Regardless of the…

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Sruly Schnair In 5754, Vayigash

“And the sons of Binyamin were Bela, Bechar and Ashbel . . .” (46:21)

Chazal cite the source for the name of each of Binyamin’s sons. They explain that each name alludes in one way or another to Yosef, his only brother with whom he shares his mother, Rachel. This is striking! Binyamin fathered ten sons. This was undoubtedly an amazing fountain of joy. Binyamin, however, did not lose himself in self-agrandizment. Instead, he named every child, every source of joy, after his lost brother. The Ponevezer Rav notes Binyamin’s singular love and devotion to Yosef. Throughout all of these years, he never allowed his longing for Yosef to become obsequious. He felt every…

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“And Yosef sustained his father and his brothers… And they brought their cattle unto Yosef, and Yosef gave them bread . . . and he provided them with bread.” (47:12,17)

Rashi understands the word okvbhu to mean “he led (them).” He thus interprets the verse, “Yosef controlled the Egyptians by means of the bread which he gave them.” This contrasts to the word okfkfhu, “he sustained (them),” which is emphasized regarding Yosef’s brothers. Horav Z. Sorotzkin z.t.l. explains the contrasting choice of words. While okfkfhu means simply “to sustain,” okvbhu also means “to manage” or “to provide.” The Jew will not allow himself to be sold in exchange for bread. His commitment to Torah and Yidishkeit is resolute. Only Eisav was prepared to sell his birthright and his soul for…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Vayigash

“Hasten and go up to my father and say unto him, so said your son Yosef” (45:9) – “And behold your eyes see… that it is my mouth that speaks to you” (45:12) – “And when he (Yaakov) saw the wagons which Yosef had sent… then the spirit of Yaakov their father revived.” (45:27)

When Yosef and his brothers met, they reconciled. Yosef quickly dispatched his brothers to bring their aged father to Egypt. He subtly communicated to his father that he still remained his son in the truest sense of the word – ;xuh lbc rnt vf. “Although I am geographically distanced from you, I am nonetheless your Yosef. I never yielded to temptation or capitulated to the adverse influences of the Egyptian lifestyle.” He continued this dialogue by underscoring his ability to speak lashon ha’kodesh, the holy language. “Your eyes see that it is my mouth that speaks to you.” The text…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Vayigash

“And Yaakov said to Pharaoh… few and unhappy have been the days of the years of my life.” (47:9)

The Daas Zekeinim cite the Midrash that states that Hashem shortened Yaakov’s life-span as compared to Yiztchak’s because of this remark. Hashem told Yaakov, “I saved you from Eisav and Lavan and returned Dinah and Yosef to you, and yet you complain that your life has been short and unhappy. You shall not live as long as your father did!” Horav Benzion Bruk, z.l., in a thesis on the depth of judgement which Hashem applies to the righteous, cites this Midrash as the source of a great moral lesson for us. Imagine, if you will, one who has suffered overwhelming…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Vayigash

“And these are the names of Yisrael’s children who came to Egypt.” (46:8)

From the ensuing list of names, we see that all of Yaakov’s children maintained their names. Only these original names are used whenever the children are mentioned in the Torah. By recording these names, the Torah emphasizes the importance of keeping names of Jewish origin especially when facing dangers of assimilation, such as those which threatened Bnei Yisrael who entered the Egyptian exile. Maintaining their Jewish names created for the Jewish people a moral and spiritual safeguard. It also served as a self- defense mechanism against the winds of assimilation. Indeed, one of the principle merits of Bnei Yisrael cited…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayigash

“And He has made me a father to Pharaoh.” (45:8)

Rashi translates the word “ct” as a “friend and patron.” Horav Shimon Schwab Shlita explains that Rashi’s definition opens up a new vista of understanding regarding the ideal relationship between a father and his child. It should be one of friendship and companionship. There should exist an openness in which a child feels secure in confiding in his father. Later, in Sefer Devarim, we learn about the “maysis” (seducer, missionary) who attempts to persuade a fellow Jew to worship idols. The Torah states “if you will be seduced by your friend… who is as dear to you as your life….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayigash

And Yisrael journeyed with all that he had, and he came to Beer-Sheva.” (46:1)

The decision to travel to Egypt had been made, but before emarking on the journey, Yaakov first detoured to Beer-Sheva. The Midrash explains that he cut down the cedar trees which his grandfather, Avraham, had planted, and carried them with him to Egypt. This act was the product of a prophetic vision in which he foresaw his descendants later needing the cedar wood for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). What is the significance of Yaakov’s detour, and what lesson may be derived? When Yaakov heard the incredible news that Yosef was still alive and had attained a significant…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayigash

“And he sent Yehudah before him to show the way before him to Goshen.” (46:28)

Rashi explains that Yehudah had been sent ahead to establish a house of study from which learning would emanate. The aged Patriarch was preparing to leave his home and familiar environment because of a terrible famine that had afflicted the land. His long-lost son Yosef was anxiously awaiting his arrival. A special parcel of land had been designated for these refugees. Yaakov, however, had one issue on his mind – to send Yehudah to pave the way to build houses of study. Before tents were to be set up, before houses were to be built, the Torah institutions were…

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“And Yaakov rose up from Beer Sheva, and the Bnei Yisrael carried Yaakov, their father… And all his children he brought with him to Egypt.” (46:5,7)

“These are the names of the Bnei Yisrael who came to Egypt.” (46:8)

“And the sons of Binyamin were Bela, Bechar and Ashbel . . .” (46:21)

“And Yosef sustained his father and his brothers… And they brought their cattle unto Yosef, and Yosef gave them bread . . . and he provided them with bread.” (47:12,17)

“Hasten and go up to my father and say unto him, so said your son Yosef” (45:9) – “And behold your eyes see… that it is my mouth that speaks to you” (45:12) – “And when he (Yaakov) saw the wagons which Yosef had sent… then the spirit of Yaakov their father revived.” (45:27)

“And Yaakov said to Pharaoh… few and unhappy have been the days of the years of my life.” (47:9)

“And these are the names of Yisrael’s children who came to Egypt.” (46:8)

“And He has made me a father to Pharaoh.” (45:8)

And Yisrael journeyed with all that he had, and he came to Beer-Sheva.” (46:1)

“And he sent Yehudah before him to show the way before him to Goshen.” (46:28)

YEARS

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