Vayigash – Page 14 – Peninim on the Torah

“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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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayigash

“And Pharaoh said to Yaakov, how many are the days of your life? And Yaakov said to Pharaoh… few and evil have been the days of my life.” (47:8-9)

The Midrash comments that Hashem reprimanded Yaakov for complaining about the evil that had befallen him during his lifetime. Indeed, he had suffered harshly, but Hashem’s “intervention” always catalyzed a favorable outcome. Hashem therefore, punished Yaakov by shortening his life span thirty-three years, coinciding with the thirty-three words of complaint which he had uttered. Instead of living to the age of one hundred and eighty years like his father Yitzchak, he died at the age of one hundred and forty-seven. If one looks at the text, it is obvious that the thirty-three words also include Pharaoh’s inquiry regarding Yaakov’s age….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Vayigash

“And Yosef said to his brothers, “I am Yosef – is my father still alive?” And his brothers were not able to answer him since they were frightened at his presence. (45:3)

Rashi explains “They were frightened because they were overwhelmed with shame. “Woe is to us the day of judgement – woe is to us the day of rebuke… Yosef was the youngest of the tribes and yet they could not stand up to his rebuke” (Midrash Rabba). This Midrash has become a source of inspiration and guidance for anyone seeking to properly repent before Hashem. What is the difference between “day of judgement” and “day of rebuke“. Are they not the same? We must say that the actions for which a person is accountable are varied. There are actions…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Vayigash

“Hashem has made me a master over all of Egypt.” (45:9)

Yosef’s statement regarding his influential position in Egypt hardly seems the proper news to relate to Yaakov. Would Yaakov be impressed and overjoyed with “nachas” that his son has become the Viceroy of Egypt? We must therefore say that it is not the actual position which Yosef has assumed that is being emphasized, but rather it is Yosef’s description of this position. When one is elevated to a position, or receives a promotion of any kind, it is natural to say that it was either the result of the influence of an individual or a response to a specific action….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Vayigash

“He appeared before him, fell on his neck and he wept on his neck.” (46:29)

Rashi explains that Yosef was the one who cried, since Yaakov was absorbed with reciting the Shema. Yaakov’s reciting the Shema at that moment reflects his supreme submission to Hashem, at a time when an ordinary individual might have been overwhelmed with more mundane thoughts. The Maharal explains that when the opportunity presents itself for the righteous to express their feelings of love, they do not desire to retain these feelings of joy for themselves, but rather they seize this moment to pay tribute to Hashem. This was the case with Yaakov. Just as he reached the moment of extreme…

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“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)

“And Pharaoh said to Yaakov, how many are the days of your life? And Yaakov said to Pharaoh… few and evil have been the days of my life.” (47:8-9)

“And Yosef said to his brothers, “I am Yosef – is my father still alive?” And his brothers were not able to answer him since they were frightened at his presence. (45:3)

“Hashem has made me a master over all of Egypt.” (45:9)

“He appeared before him, fell on his neck and he wept on his neck.” (46:29)

YEARS

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