Yaakov Avinu underscores the fact the Menashe and Ephraim were Egyptian-born. He could just as easily have said, “your two sons, Ephraim and Menashe,” without adding their origins. HaRav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zl, explains that Yaakov was concerned about his grandsons’ origins because of the harsh, foreign spiritual influences they might have sustained. In order to include them among the Shevatim, they had to have remained on a spiritual plateau in some way equal to the Shevatim. Yaakov intimates that he was bringing Ephraim and Menashe close because, since they were born and raised in Egypt, they needed that spiritual TLC….

Yaakov Avinu awarded Yosef an extra portion of land: Shechem. This was bequeathed to him for taking the initiative to inter Yaakov Avinu’s remains in Eretz Yisrael. To protect Shimon and Levi, who had gone to Shechem to retrieve their sister, Dinah, and to avenge the family’s honor, the Patriarch took up arms, preparing to battle the Emori. Hashem provided the Patriarch with a miracle, so that he would emerge triumphant. Sword and bow are figurative terms for the spiritual weaponry that our Patriarch employed. This teaches us that true strength is not physical in nature, but rather, spiritual strength…

Reuven had it all—and lost it—due to an impetuous move on his part. Make no mistake: Reuven did not mean to sin. Indeed, he thought he was acting virtuously to defend his mother’s honor. He even repented after he was informed of his own imprudence. Nevertheless, it does not change the fact that he acted impulsively. A king, a leader, a Kohen, must act with deliberation and circumspection. Thus, the birthright that had been Reuven’s was transferred to Yosef, the monarchy to Yehudah, and the Kehunah/Priesthood to Levi. A leader does not have the luxury of acting in haste. Yaakov…

Yehudah was the acknowledged king of the shevatim. He is compared to a lion, the king of beasts. This was Yaakov Avinu’s vision of Yehudah for the future. Horav Shalom Yosef Zevin, zl, expounds on these two terms: crouches; and lies down. Both are characteristics associated with the lion. A person’s emotional state affects both his physical and ethical/moral conduct and his demeanor. One who feels down or discouraged can easily fall into a state of despair, which not only affects his motivation and drive, but can also lead to ethical compromises. He simply does not care. When one feels…

Rashi explains that Yosef wept over the two Batei Mikdash, situated in Binyamin’s portion of Ertez Yisrael, which would be destroyed. Binyamin wept over the Mishkan Shiloh, which was in Yosef’s portion, that would be destroyed. The question is glaring: Did they have no other time to weep over these churbanos, destructions?  There is a time for everything: a time for dance; ‘a time for eulogy; a time for weeping’, and a time for joy. This was the moment for which they had both longed. It should have been filled with heightened joy-not weeping. HoRav Mordechai Pogremonsky, zl, cites the…

Yaakov Avinu sent Yehudah ahead of the family to make the proper arrangements for their transition to Egypt. Yehudah was the definitive leader of the brothers, having proven himself in his confrontation with the Egyptian “viceroy.” Rashi quotes Chazal, who delve into the word l’horos, to teach, that Yehudah was actually destined to establish a yeshivah, so that when they arrived they could immediately continue their Torah study. It also shows the Patriarch’s profound insight into Jewish values. Without Torah as the foundation and lodestar for navigating life, the journey is untenable. The Torah is our inspiration and guide, especially…

Yaakov Avinu could not wait to see his long-lost son, Yosef. Yosef had left home a boy, and now he was viceroy over the people of Egypt. He went from challenge to travail and emerged as righteous as when he left home. The image of his father had kept him holy. Now, after all this time, after all the tzaros, troubles, that Yosef had endured, he was finally going to embrace his father. This would be the script as presented by a secular author, a playwright who seeks to capture the drama of this face-to-face interaction between father and son….

Chazal (Bereishis Rabbah 69:3) distinguish between: the wicked who stand over their gods, such as Pharaoh, who dreamt that he was standing over the Nile River, which is the Egyptian godhead; and tzaddikim, the righteous, such as Yaakov Avinu, over whom we see that Hashem stood protectively.  Horav Simchah Wasserman, zl, explains that idol worshippers seek a god that will fit into their comfort zone, who will serve them without making any undue demands on them.  The Egyptians viewed the Nile River as their god, because it provided for their needs.  Pharaoh stood over the river, because this is their…

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding one’s eis tzarah, period of trouble, when the designated time for geulah, redemption/deliverance, arrives, he will not spend one extra moment in travail.    Yosef was incarcerated with no immediate hope for release, but, when the Heavenly-appointed time for his liberation was reached, he was rushed out of prison.  Likewise, explains the Chafetz Chaim, when the time for Klal Yisrael’s redemption from exile arrives, we will immediately be freed.  Nothing will impede our release. Two types of redemption exist: collective redemption; and personal redemption.  We must remember that, however bleak things may appear, this darkness will…

How often do we attempt all avenues to resolve an issue that is plaguing us — economic, health, shidduchim —  and everything that we do leads to a solid, impenetrable wall?  All of a sudden, out of the blue, the issue is resolved in a manner that we least expected, or even thought possible.  When we take the time to relax and introspect throughout the journey from travail to deliverance, we must ask ourselves: Was this Hashem’s plan from the very onset, that nothing we attempt works, so that we ultimately recognize, realize and acknowledge that: Hashem has a plan;…

Why of all accusations that Yosef could have leveled against his brothers, did he choose calling them spies?  Furthermore, the responses they gave to confirm the veracity of their mission to Egypt misses the mark.  How does it explain why they are not spies?  “All of us are sons of one man.”  “Your servants have never been spies.” “The youngest son is now with our father, and one is gone.”  Last, what did they mean when they said, “We have never been spies”? Who ever mentioned the past?  Horav Elyakim Schlesinger, Shlita, explains this based upon a Midrash that relates…

Refusing to be comforted is understandable. When a person sustains a tragedy (regardless of the circumstances, the age, or the well-being of the deceased, it is still a tragedy – to someone) it is personal; it is painful; the loss feels like an endless void which cannot be filled with words alone. This is especially true when the mourner had been especially close with the deceased. Accepting comfort may feel like a step towards moving on or letting go – something the mourner refuses to entertain. Others may feel guilt over the death of a loved one, wondering if they…

In the brachos, blessings, which Moshe Rabbeinu conferred upon the various shevatim, tribes of Klal Yisrael, Reuven’s blessing is juxtaposed upon Yehudah’s blessing. Chazal (Bava Kamma 91A) explain that, during all the forty years that the Jews journeyed in the wilderness, the bones of Yehudah, which the nation took with them to be interred in the Holy Land, were rolling around in the coffin. Moshe came and asked Hashem for mercy on Yehudah’s behalf. He said, “Yehudah was the impetus for Reuven to confess to his sin/error concerning his tampering with his father’s bed.” When Reuven saw that Yehudah made…

Chazal (Yoma 35:13) teach that, if a wicked person (his neshamah, soul) comes before the Heavenly Tribunal and is asked, “Why did you not engage in Torah study?” and he replies, “I was handsome and preoccupied with my evil inclination,” we reply to him, “Were you any more handsome than Yosef who did not neglect Torah, despite his beauty?” Chazal go on to describe Potifar’s wife’s various machinations to entice Yosef to be with her. He rejected it all because of his abiding devotion to Hashem. This may be good and well, but Chazal (Sotah 36B) add something to the…

The numerical value of garti equals taryag, 613.  Chazal teach that Yaakov Avinu implied to Eisav, “Although I was with Lavan for some time, I remained loyal to Hashem and observed all 613 mitzvos.  I have not changed one iota.  I am as committed today as I was when I left home.”  Eisav should not have thought that he could prevail over Yaakov.  The Patriarch’s merits will still protect him. Yaakov then added, Va’yehi li shor v’chamor; “I have an ox and a donkey.” Understandably, Yaakov was not informing Eisav of his material assets; rather, as the commentators explain, shor…

Rashi explains that Yaakov was frightened that he would be killed, and he was distressed that, in his efforts to protect his family, he might kill acheirim, others.  What did Yaakov fear?  He had every reason to defend himself against Eisav. The Melei HaOmer explains that Yaakov purchased the firstborn birthright from Eisav for the express purpose that the avodah, service, in the Bais HaMikdash would be conducted by bechorim, firstborn, and he would be a b’chor.  However, if he would kill Eisav – even by right – he could no longer serve.  A Kohen that kills someone, even b’shogeig,…

Yaakov Avinu sent everyone away, until he was left alone to wrestle with Eisav’s angel.  Concerning our Patriarch’s isolated state, Chazal (Midrash Rabbah) cite a pasuk in Yeshayah 2:17, V’nisgav Hashem levado, “And Hashem alone will be exalted on that day.” The Navi addresses the day of retribution, when the great nations of the world will be humbled in Hashem’s Presence.  He alone will be exalted, as all those who thought they were high and mighty will be compelled to confront the stark truth:  they are not.  We must endeavor to understand the parallel between the two levados: Yaakov isolated…

Among the reasons which Chazal (Bereishis Rabbah 82:13) present for Eisav’s moving on, separating himself from Yaakov, is that he left in humiliation over having sold his bechorah, firstborn birthright.  Horav Gershon Liebman, zl (Rosh Yeshivah, Novarodok in Armentieres, France, notes that we are raised with a skewed perspective of Eisav, the man We know him as being evil to both G-d and man.  We fail to take into consideration, however, that Eisav’s behavior not withstanding, we may not ignore that he was Yitzchok Avinu’s son and Avraham Avinu’s grandson.  He spent his formative years in the home of his…

The name Luz denotes the principle of eternity. Chazal (Vayikra Rabbah 18) teach that there is a certain tiny bone within the human body that does not decompose. It is from this indestructible bone that Hashem will resurrect the dead. HoRav Mordecahi Ilan, zl, explains the background, the name change from the original Luz to Bais-El (Beth-El). Until Yaakov Avinu emerged on the scene, people thought that the way to ensure continuity is through the establishment of community, etc. Thus, they named the city Luz, because its name representes endurance and perseverance. Our Patriarch changed the city’s name to Bais…

Rashi explains that Leah Imeinu wept copious tears in prayer to Hashem that she not have to marry Eisav. People would say that Rivkah Imeinu had two sons and her brother, Lavan, had two daughters. It made sense that the older daughter, Leah, would wed the older son, Eisav; and the younger daughter, Rachel, would marry Yaakov. The prospect of having to spend the rest of her life with the evil Eisav is enough to make anyone cry. As a result, Leah’s eyes became tender. Targum Onkelos interprets rackos as ya’in, beauty. Was Rashi unaware of Onkelos’ commentary? Furthermore, Chazal…

Now, as a mother of one-third of Yaakov Avinu’s twelve sons, Leah paid gratitude to Hashem, because He granted her more than her rightful share. Much has been written about gratitude per se, specifically in interpreting and explaining Leah Imeinu’s gratitude. This is especially critical in light of Chazal’s statement (Berachos 7B), “From the day the world was created, there was no one who paid gratitude to Hashem, until Leah came and thanked Him.” The questions are obvious: How can Chazal suggest that the Avos Hakedoshim, holy Patriarchs, did not thank Hashem? This question is especially pressing when we take…

They both prayed.  Rivkah Imeinu prayed on her own behalf.  Yitzchak Avinu also prayed on her behalf.  He knew that, as part of Hashem’s promise to Avraham Avinu, he would be blessed with progeny.  He entreated Hashem that Rivkah should be the mother of his children.  Twenty years is a long time to pray for something.  Apparently, they were prepared to continue praying until Rivkah conceived and gave birth to a healthy child. It was not just about having a child, but rather, they sought to serve as a link in the Patriarchal continuum which laid the foundation of the…

Both Yitzchak Avinu and RIvkah Imeinu prayed fervently for a child.  The Kaf HaChaim (281:8) cites the Sefer Chesed LaAlafim who states: “We have a kabbalah, tradition, handed down from Rav Yehudah HaChasid who taught that when one is confronted with a difficult challenge, committing to recite the Nishmas prayer (we recite Nishmas on Shabbos and Yom Tov at the end of Pesukei D’Zimra.  We also recite it at the end of the Pesach seder) in the presence of a minyan is a segulah for deliverance.  The tefillah is attributed to Rav Elazar Azkari, who lived in Tzfas during the…

Horav Yaakov Moshe Charlop, zl, explains the imagery of Yaakov Avinu holding onto Eisav’s heel as a metaphor that underscores the concept of limitation and restraint. A vicious dog chained to a stationary place cannot go beyond the pull of his chain.  He can bark and growl and attack anything that comes within the parameter of his chain, but that is it.  He is locked in place.  Veritably, it often appears that Eisav is on top; he is first.  Despite Eisav’s precedence in birth order, which grants him certain parameters of strength, Yaakov continues to hold on to his heel. …

On the surface, to the uneducated reader, the story of Yaakov Avinu purchasing the bechorah, birthright, from Eisav seems highly enigmatic.  Horav David Povarsky, zl, compares it to a shrewd man who saw a young child playing with a bag of diamonds. The man offered to give the young boy a bag of chocolates in exchange for the diamonds.  The boy jumped at the idea and readily made the trade.  Clearly, we would look askance at such a person.  How could he have the temerity to take such advantage of an unknowing child?  Eisav was clueless concerning the value of…