Exploring the Parsha

When Yosef revealed himself to the brothers, he did far more than shock and humiliate them. A careful reading of what he told them afterward reveals how their cruelty to him should be understood. In doing so, Yosef taught his brothers a critical principle in hashgacha that also has vast ramifications for our lives.

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When we light the menora on Chanuka we are all familiar with the "parsumi nisa" of those lights shining bright for all to see. What a tremendous z'chus for us to publicize the miracle and recognize Hashem's complete dominion over "nature" and His endless love for us! 

However, there is another dimension to those lights with which we are perhaps less familiar. And it behooves us to learn about it and its potential transformative powers for all of us. Listen to this podcast to find out what that is!

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We are accustomed to seeking fulfillment in our life's endeavors, so it is frustrating when people or events stymie us. But when we delve deeply into the Medrash at the beginning of this Parsha, quite a different picture emerges. Surprisingly, it is actually to our benefit. And yet another way that Hashem shows us how much He loves us.

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The story of Dina's abduction at the hands of Schem is tragic and fraught with questions. However, perhaps most perplexing is how Shimon and Levi could defy their father without remorse.  When accused by Yaakov Avinu of subjecting the whole Jewish Nation to mortal danger, not only were they not contrite, but they defended their violence by reiterating the disgrace suffered by their sister. How could this possibly explain what they did?  Unless perhaps there is something much more profound in their answer that touches upon that which is part of our very essence!

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As we know, Yaakov Avinu's love for his wife Rochel knew no bounds. That is why it is so perplexing that he appeared cold and dismissive when she begged him to daven for her. Had any other woman, childless and broken, come to him distraught to the point that she couldn't imagine living without a child, there is no question that he would have davened and cried for her from the depths of his being. Isn't that what tzaddikim have done throughout the centuries?  It makes no sense that Yaakov reacted in precisely the opposite way! Unless a precious secret of tefila is buried in this story that is relevant for anyone facing a challenge or in pain.

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When Yaakov went before his father Yitzchok to receive the bracha, he disguised himself as Esav by donning clothing laden with animal skins. On the surface, this appeared to be the only way to receive the blessing destined for his brother. However, when we probe deeper into this seemingly simple ruse, we see that it was anything but that. In fact, from carefully analyzing the conversation between Rivka and Yaakov beforehand, we uncover a fundamental yesod that we would do well to learn from due to its extreme relevance to our current situation.

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Rivka Imeinu was chosen to be a mother of the Jewish People because of her boundless kindness and generosity. But how did a young girl growing up in a family of evil people avoid becoming just like them? Even more difficult to understand is how did she achieve such spiritual heights in such a toxic environment so antithetical to everything she became?

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As we approach Shavuos, our thoughts naturally turn to making this Kabbalos HaTorah as special as possible. Understandably, the focus of those thoughts will be our Limud HaTorah during the Yom Tov. But perhaps, first, we need to understand better what the mitzva of Talmud Torah entails.  Even a cursory glance at the Rambam will leave us surprised. And as we dig deeper, be prepared to discover that this most precious activity of our lives is quite different than you may have thought!

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Toil seems to be the diametric opposite of pleasure. And yet when we plumb the depths of what Ameilus b'Torah is all about, we will be quite surprised to find, that the pleasure of toiling in the Torah is unmatched. 

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