5755

“And Yosef commanded to fill their vessels (with) grain and to restore their money each one’s to his sack.” (42:25)

In an attempt to cause his brothers to return to Egypt, Yosef returned their money to them and placed it in their sacks. This seems unnecessary. Would they not have returned simply due to the famine in the land? Also, Shimon was still incarcerated in Egypt. They had to come back to redeem him! The Brisker Rav z.l. gives a simple, but striking, response. The ten brothers were Shivtei Kah, the forebears of the ten tribes of Klal Yisrael. They constituted the standard for our nation. We have no idea of the level of bitachon, trust in Hashem, which they…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Mikeitz

“And unto Yosef (were) born two sons … which Asnas, the daughter of Potifera, the priest of On, bore unto him.” (41:50)

The Torah’s manner of describing the birth of Yosef’s two sons is somewhat peculiar. The Torah states that two sons were born to him, by Asnas. In addition the word skh, born, is in the singular instead of uskuh. It would seem that the birth is viewed from two aspects — that of the mother and that of the child. Horav S.R. Hirsch z.l., explains that a mother can physically bear a child to its father, but it does not necessarily mean that the child will remain connected to the father. We must first determine if the child will maintain…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Mikeitz

“Only by the throne will I be greater than you.” (41:40)

Why does Pharaoh “warn” Yosef that he will be greater than Yosef because he occupies “the throne?” Did Pharaoh fear Yosef’s insubordination? Horav Ze’ev Weinberger, Shlita, suggests that Pharaoh was being very practical. He told Yosef that the purpose in making him Viceroy over Egypt was to enhance and glorify Pharaoh’s throne. Pharaoh fully understood that taking a Jewish slave out of prison, showering him with glory, and giving him access to the second most powerful position in the land was risky. This act might be dangerous unless a long term benefit was clearly to be derived. Pharaoh, however, was…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Mikeitz

“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man. ” (41:33)

Rashi interprets Pharaoh’s question literally, “If we were to seek such a unique individual, could we possibly find one such as he?” The Satmar Rebbe z.l., questions Pharaoh’s attitude. Even if Yosef appeared to be the “best man” for the job, why was Pharaoh so reticent to search for someone who might better qualify for the position? He should first have searched for a great and capable leader. Afterwards, he could have offered Yosef the position by default. The Rebbe offers a novel response. Yosef was proficient in all seventy languages. The angel Gavriel had taught them to him. If…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5755, Mikeitz

“And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was anxious, and he sent and called all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men, and Pharoah told them of his dream.” (41:8)

Pharaoh’s attitude towards his dream demands explanation. Does dreaming about cows and ears of corn warrant immediate interpretation by the wisest men of the country? To the average person, these dreams seem to be nothing more than the inane musings of the subconscious. What impressed Pharaoh to the extent that he was shaken by its covert message? Horav Shimon Schwab, z.l., suggests that these dreams had an underlying message which gave Pharaoh a rude awakening. Pharaoh followed the atheistic perspective that in any altercation the minority will inevitably fall into the hands of the multitude. Similarly, the weaker party will…

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YEARS

“And Yosef commanded to fill their vessels (with) grain and to restore their money each one’s to his sack.” (42:25)

“And unto Yosef (were) born two sons … which Asnas, the daughter of Potifera, the priest of On, bore unto him.” (41:50)

“Only by the throne will I be greater than you.” (41:40)

“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man. ” (41:33)

“And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was anxious, and he sent and called all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men, and Pharoah told them of his dream.” (41:8)

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