Don’t Flaunt Wealth

Rashi quotes a Gemara in Masechet Taanit, that gives an important warning for Jews for generations to come. He is referring to a conversation between Yakov and his sons.

When the famine had reached the Land of Canaan, Yakov tells his sons not to be afraid. Rashi’s explanation was that despite the fact that the sons of Eisav and Yishmael, had run out of food, they had not. They still had not used up their food.

Yakov’s warning for generations was that they must not show off this fact, that they had more possessions than the other Canaanite families. Jews must never show off their wealth to arouse the jealousy of the Gentiles.

If they are blessed with wealth, they should still try to live humbly. There is already a certain amount of friction between Jews and non-Jews, and we must not create bad feelings.

How often have we heard the anti-semites accuse the Jews of “having all of the money?” We do believe that there will come a time when the nations of the world will show remorse for their treatment of Jews over the centuries. And in many respects, Israel has gained much admiration and respect in the eyes of the nations.

But until that time comes, we must heed our Father Yakov’s warning, and lie low and not show off. Humility is always the best path to take.

Purim and Chanukah

In the Jewish calendar, Chanukah and Purim are two holidays that were ordained by the Rabbis. They were seen as significant, miraculous events, worthy of commemoration.

In modern times, two new holidays were added to the calendar. Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, is celebrated on the fifth of Iyar, commemorating the establishment of the State of Israel. And Yom Yerushalayim on the twenty-eighth of Iyar, is a festive day acknowledging the liberation of Jerusalem in 1967.

It is interesting that Parshat Miketz always falls on Chanukah. This year, I noticed four similarities in the Parsha that are connected with Purim.

The first is that Yosef suggests sending out פקידים, or, appointed messengers, to gather grain during the years of plenty. In the Megillah, Achashveirosh is advised to send out פקידים, to gather the most beautiful women in the land, to choose a queen.

Both Pharoah and Achashveirosh removed their ring, as they appointed Joseph and Haman, to be the second to the king.

The third connection is the similar language used by Yakov and Esther, when they needed to make a difficult decision. In Yakov’s case, he said, כאשר שכולתי שכחתי, “If I am to be bereaved, I will be bereaved.” Esther’s words were, וכאשר אבדתי אבדתי, “If I perish, I perish.”

And the fourth similarity is the use of the word, ויתאפק, “and he restrained himself.” This word is only found twice in all of Tanach. In Yosef’s case, he restrained himself from crying, after seeing his younger brother, Binyamin. In Haman’s case, he restrained himself when he saw that the defiant Mordechai, would not bow to him.

It is so interesting to unlock these so called coincidences in the Torah. Parshat Miketz was read long before the Purim and Chanukah miracles occurred. And yet, we can clearly see that this was part of a Divine plan.

Divine Supervision

The Talmud in Megillah 13b points out how it was actually a Divine plan to have Pharoah get angry at his servants, the baker and the butler. He did this for the sake of the Tzaddik, Yosef, because it was time to get him released from prison.

As Jews, we are commanded to believe in the concept of השגחה פרטית, or personal supervision. We are to recognize how our lives are guided by G-d, and everything happens for a reason.

We are also taught that we are the ones that set things in motion. The Rabbis tells us that the path that a person chooses to take, is where he will be lead from Above. If he decides on a path of righteousness, he will come in contact with good, positive people, who will help him reach his goal. If he selects a path of evil or self indulgence, he will also be lead in this direction.

We definitely have free will to choose how we will live our lives. But this free will is a little overrated. There are so many instances, where things happen for the good or bad, because we happen to be at a specific place at the right or wrong time.

How many of us could easily not have met our spouse, had we chosen some kind of alternate plan, that would have prevented us, from meeting our intended.

The passage that we recite thrice daily in the Amida, should have particular significance on Chanukah. We thank Hashem for “the miracles that are with us each day.” We give praise for the big and little miracles, as well as the so called, daily “coincidences.”

We only need to look at Yosef Hatzaddik to realize that had Pharoah not become angry with his servants, he may have been in prison for life. Jewish history would have come out much different, had this not happened. This is השגחה פרטית.

True Remorse

There is a very powerful Pasuk that speaks of the remorse of the brothers, in how they treated Yosef. They expressed this after they were accused by Yosef of being spies.

The brothers spoke to one another and said, “But we are all guilty because of our brother. We saw his afflicted soul, when he begged us, and we did not hear. This is why all of these troubles have befallen us.”

The Midrash goes into greater detail as to how Yosef, a seventeen year old cried profusely and pleaded for mercy from his brothers. They callously threw him into a pit, and eventually sold him.

When one wishes to do Teshuva, repentance, his חרטה, or regret, is essential towards getting back on the right path. It may be relatively easy to say, “I’m sorry.” It is more difficult to add the words, “I was wrong.” But it is most difficult to get to the level of real remorse, where we feel great shame.

How was it possible that I could have rebelled against Hashem, Who gives me life?How could I have hurt someone that I love by being so insensitive? How could I have shamed someone by not considering the anguish I am causing.

Getting to the point of true חרטה, requires hard work. It also requires humility on our part, to admit that we messed up. The brothers of Yosef got a wake up call, to make them realize that their self righteousness, was really cruelty. We need to wake up ourselves, and begin treating G-d, our loved ones, and all that we meet, with the kindness, respect, and love that they deserve.

Swallow Our Pride

The story of Yosef and his brothers, is one of great emotion. The gravity of the mistreatment of the brothers towards Yosef, is difficult to comprehend. But it is clear that there was a Divine plan going on behind the scenes.

Each year when we read again about this saga, we learn a new detail that we may not have known in the past. For example, there is a little known Midrash that said that Yosef was elated when he initially saw his brothers in Egypt. He was cut off from his family for twenty-two years, and despite everything, they were his brothers.

The Midrash continues and explains that the Angel Gabriel appeared to Yosef and instructed him to speak harshly to his brothers. The family reunion could not take place, unless there was real remorse on their part for their actions. And, according to the Ramban, it was necessary for some reason that Yosef’s dreams be fulfilled.

The sin of the Golden Calf was a very grievous transgression between man and G-d. The sin of the brothers was one of the most grievous sins in our history between man and man.

There are numerous lessons that need to be learned from this story. If the one that sticks with us this year, is that we must swallow our pride and show genuine remorse when we wrong someone, then we have gleaned something very valuable.

No Favoritism

The Talmud in Masechet Shabbat comments on Yosef’s “coat of many colors.” We should learn from here that a parent should not show favoritism towards one child over his other children. Yakov’s error led to the exile in Egypt.

It is interesting how the Talmud turns towards giving parental guidance. There is a great deal to be learned from every incident mentioned in the Torah.

In this instance, there is a very clear warning to parents. Aside from the potential damage to the rejected child, who feels less loved, the parents need to get their act together.

There is something terribly wrong if a parent does not love all of his children equally. While it’s true that some children give their parents a great deal of aggravation, that does not excuse loving this child less.

We must realize how every child is a gift from G-d, and is special in his own way. To prefer or love one child over the other, shows very bad character on the part of the parents.

Perhaps Yakov Avinu was overcome by emotion, and felt a special bond with Yosef, the son of his beloved, Rachel. And he may have found great comfort in Yosef, after his mother died in childbirth.

Despite all of this, the Talmud cries out and makes it clear, that Yakov was wrong. The text of the Torah tells us that he loved Yosef more than all of his sons. This is seen as a flaw in Yakov, for which a great price was paid.

It would certainly be worthwhile for parents to take a crash course in parenting, and learn how to love all children. Such an emotion should come naturally. If it doesn’t, the lessons of the Talmud need to be studied thoroughly.

Despair to Salvation

The story of Yehuda and Tamar has an aspect to it, that could be connected to Chanukah.

Tamar was the daughter of Shem the son of Noach. She was considered like the daughter of a Kohein. Her father was called a Kohein. She greatly longed to be part of the Messianic line.

She somehow knew that this line would come by way of Yehuda. When she saw that Yehuda’s third son was not going to be given to her, she devised her plan to entice Yehuda himself.

The Baal Haturim noted that her pain was very great. This allowed her to suffer the humiliation of being thought of as a זונה, a harlot. It is no coincidence that when Jeremiah laments the exile, he asks how Jerusalem has become violated like a harlot.

The common thread between Tamar’s humiliation and Jerusalem’s desecration, as well as the spiritual degradation that the Jews experienced under the Syrian-Greeks was the same.

The pain that was felt was temporary. The ultimate result was glory for Israel. This is an important reminder that we must never despair when going through difficulties in our lives. We must believe in the power of prayer. And we must understand that the difficulties are there to shape us into becoming better people.

Whatever happens on a national level, also applies on a personal level. The pain can be transformed into joy, the darkness into light, and humiliation into redemption. This is the lesson learned from Tamar, and it is also the lesson of Chanukah.

See the Miracles

One of the important themes of Chanukah is פרסומי ניסא, advertising the miracle. We are to proudly acknowledge the miracle of Chanukah by placing our Menorah in a place that can be seen by passersby.

Many place their Menorahs in windows facing the street. Some even purchase a glass case to house their Chanukia, as it is called in Hebrew, and place it in front of their house, closer to the street.

There is even a Halachic ruling, that if someone lives on a corner house that faces two streets, he must place two Menorahs, each one facing a different street.

This also serves to avoid the suspicion of nosy neighbors. They might suspect him of not lighting the candles, because he didn’t look into the right window.

The point of all of this, is that we clearly recognize the miracles that Hashem performed for us in those days, as He does in our times.

We have a responsibility to count our blessings every day. What we take for granted as nature, is really miraculous. Seeing these “natural” miracles, helps us appreciate life itself. It greatly helps us to look at life in a positive manner. We should feel humbled by all of the kindness we receive from Above.

Perhaps Chanukah is a wake up call for us to count our blessings, and show appreciation for all that we have. We should keep this thought in mind, as we proudly display our Menorahs, for everyone to see.

Light in the Face of Darkness

The message of Chanukah has great relevance in our times, just as it did during the period of the Maccabees.

The story of Purim was one of a threat of physical annihilation. The threat of Chanukah was one of spiritual annihilation. The evil Antiochus, tried to take away the observance of religious law. The effort was to remove Jewish identity, and have the Jews fully assimilate into Greek society.

All of the trouble began when Alexander the Great conquered Israel. Although he was good to the Jews, (and forms of the name Alexander are still given to Jewish boys and girls until today) Greek culture did a great deal of damage.

This created a group of Jews, known as Hellenists, who saw themselves more as Greeks than Jews. This narrative sounds painfully familiar. The intermarriage and assimilation of Jews, is a major tragedy taking place before our eyes.

But on an even larger scale, we see the whole world embracing foreign philosophies that are incredibly distant from the lessons of the Bible. The belief in G-d, is substituted for this insane “woke” culture.

Rather than follow a Divine system that teaches basic morality, the new morality is based on “being happy,” and doing whatever make you “feel good.”

It looks as though most of the world has been Hellenized. The message of Chanukah is one of hope. The victory of the few over the many, the weak over the mighty, and faith in the One true G-d of Israel, was able to defeat the powerful Greek Empire.

We must not lose hope and we must gain strength from the pure light of our Chanukah candles. This light must spread and shine brightly and defeat the falsehoods and impurities of the world. Happy Chanukah!

How the Exile Began

The story of Yakov’s family going down to Egypt to become a nation, began with the strife created between Yosef and his brothers.

The Torah tells us that Yosef was a נער, generally translated as young lad. The Baal Haturim wrote that the numerical value of this word, equals, שוטה, a fool.

He connects this idea with a verse from Mishlei, that says, מוציא דיבה הוא כסיל, that one who speaks Lashon Hara against another person is a כסיל, another name for a fool.

It is clear that Yosef was clearly out of line in the way he acted towards his brother. Most commentators do not emphasize that all of the problems for the budding Jewish nation, began with foolish idol talk. This is what created the great antagonism between Yosef and his brothers.

They began thinking that every generation that preceded them had undesirable offspring. They were convinced that they had their own “Eisav” that they had to deal with.

The irony of the story is that Yakov was the first individual in the twenty three generations from creation, that had all righteous children. It was for this reason that they were chosen to become an עם קדוש, holy nation.

All of this is a harsh reminder of the power of speech, and how destructive it can be. Things that we take lightly, or that are said in jest, can prove to be very harmful. We must be careful and think before we speak. Yosef, the foolish young lad, caused the beginnings of a long and painful Egyptian exile. That should certainly make an impression on us, not to misuse the power of speech.

Dealing With Adversity

The Baal Haturim has an interesting comment regarding the first Pasuk of Parshat Vayeshev. He claims that there is a significant message just from the words, וישב יעקב, “And Yakov sat.”

The Torah is hinting that Yakov sat, just as he did before going through the ordeal of Lavan and Eisav. Despite the difficulties that he had to endure, it did not change him. He did not become a bitter person, who may have felt that he was treated unfairly.

Similarly we find a description of Yosef. We are told that “Yosef was in Egypt.” It was pretty obvious that he was in Egypt. Rashi says that both his troubled years, and years of being second to the king, did not change. He was the same simple and modest Yosef.

We learn from the lives of Yakov and Yosef, how to handle adversity and success. We must not let life’s challenges defeat us. We all go through major disappointments in life. We must stay focused and remain positive and upbeat. We must trust that G-d has a plan for us, and everything happens for a reason.

Yakov and Yosef were faced with monumental difficulties in their lives. They had the courage to humbly accept their fate and trust in G-d. We must learn to do the same.

Carefully Make Decisions

The Talmud in Masechet Sanhedrin tells a very puzzling story. It describes the efforts of Timna, the daughter of one of the kings descending from Eisav.

This princess was attracted by the teachings of Avraham Avinu. She was prepared to be a simple maidservant and forego her royalty, in order to be part of Am Yisrael.

Surprisingly, the Gemara describes her rejection from all three of the patriarchs, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yakov. All three felt that she was not converting for the right reasons.

This was similar to the days of David and Solomon, who also did not accept converts. The same reasoning was applied in both instances. Our leaders wanted to be certain that those desiring conversion, are doing so, because of embracing the G-d of Israel. They did not want converts who wanted to join because they were in awe of its leaders, and the movement they were leading.

It appears that this rejection was a serious error in judgement. Timna became the concubine of Eliphaz, son of Eisav. She bore him a son, Amalek, the archenemy of the Jewish people.

This story in the Gemara is definitely teaching us a lesson. Most likely, Amalek would still have emerged. But perhaps we are being taught how we should be extremely careful in all the choices and decisions we make. The trivial may not be as insignificant as we think. Everything we do can have long term effects, for the good and for the bad. Taking meticulous care in our decisions is far more important than we may realize.

A Kiss Or a Bite

There is a well known Midrash that describes the reunion between Yakov and Eisav. This is a very different explanation than what is understood from the text.

It appears that Yakov’s strategy of appeasement worked. The Torah makes it look like all was good. Eisav is so moved by Yakov’s generous gesture, that he embraces and kisses his twin brother.

The Midrash says that this was not the case at all. Eisav did not kiss his brother, but bit his neck. A miracle occurred and Yakov’s neck turned to stone.

So instead of identifying the crying of Eisav, as a sign of emotion, it may have been crying because of biting hard into stone!

What is most fascinating, is that the Baal Haturim proves the validity of the Midrash by way of Gematria. He found that the numerical value of וישקהו, “and he kissed him,” to be equal to the words, ולנשכו בא, “that he came to bite him.”

He also noted that the numerical value of the word, שיניו, “his teeth,” is equal to the name עשו, Eisav.

Now the Midrash does not seem so far fetched, thanks to the brilliant wisdom of the Baal Haturim.

Small Packages

The commentators ask how Yakov Avinu was left alone and unprotected, that made him vulnerable to the attack of the angel that wrestled with him.

Rashi tells us that he went back across the Yabok River to retrieve some small packages.

The Talmud in Masechet Chullin elaborates by telling us that Yakov had already taken care of his family and the large packages, and the rest of their possessions. He had only left the small, more inexpensive packages.

The Gemara is giving an important lesson, especially for those considered to be the scholars and spiritual leaders. Yakov would never consider taking anything that didn’t belong to him. He certainly would not steal.

One of the greatest desecrations of Hashem’s name, is when the so called righteous are not honest in money matters. Allowing themselves to be involved in shady businesses, or the misuse of public funds, is absolutely inexcusable behavior.

The argument that I have heard too many times over the years is that, “I may not be very observant, but, at least, I’m honest.” This reasoning is definitely flawed, but the fact that it is even brought up, shows that where there is smoke, there is fire.

The Orchot Tzaddikim in the name of the Rambam, emphasize the higher standard that a learned person should have. Not only must he be honest in money matters, but he should go beyond the letter of the law, to make sure he is never suspected of acting improperly.

Yakov Avinu demonstrated this by going back to retrieve his small packages. Straightness and honesty in money matters, must always be emphasized.

Losing Merits

There is a classic question asked of Yakov Avinu. Why does the Torah tell us that he was struck with intense fear. After all, he had already received a promise from Hashem, that he would be protected in all that he did. Was Yakov doubting this Divine promise.

The classic answer to this question is that he was afraid שמא יגרום החטא, that perhaps he has sinned during his twenty years with Lavan, and perhaps that canceled out the blessing.

There is a precedent for such fear, as Rashi points out in Masechet Brachot, that the return of Ezra in rebuilding the Second Temple, did not have the same glory as in the days of Joshua, when he brought the Egyptian exiles into the land. Ezra was under Persian rule that was caused by the sins of the Jewish people.

The Maharsha makes an interesting clarification. There is such a concept that when one is saved miraculously, he uses up some of his merits. These are the merits that determine if one is worthy of the ultimate blessing when he leaves this world. Yakov had no problem giving up some of his merits to defeat Eisav.

The point of the Maharsha was that Yakov didn’t care about that. His only concern was whether he had acted improperly in the eyes of G-d, and this would cause a loss of his protection.

This is a good lesson for all of us. We should always be on guard to continue acting in a way that is pleasing to G-d. This will be our guarantee that we will always have protection from above.

Ultimate Protection

Yakov Avinu gave a total of 550 different animals to his brother, Eisav. This corresponds to the 550 animals offered in the course of the year, for the Mussaf sacrifice.

The gift included goats and camels, as well as bulls and cows. And there were also rams, male and female, as part of the effort to placate his brother.

What is strange about the Torah’s accounting of this peace offering, are the words spoken directly to Eisav.

Yakov makes a point of telling his servants to tell his brother that he lived with Lavan, and kept the Mitzvot. And he possessed שור וחמור, oxen and donkeys, as well as other assets. The question of the commentators is why did he specifically mention the שור וחמור, when he ultimately gave him many other animals.

The answer is found in the Talmud in Baba Kama, that explains that Yakov was speaking in code to Eisav. The donkeys was a reference to the tribe of Yissaschar, and the oxen referred to Yosef.

These two brothers represented the ultimate strength of Israel. Yosef was the one who gave physical sustenance to the Jewish people. Yissachar was the brother who devoted his life to Torah. So, in essence, Yakov was telling Eisav that he has the ultimate protection, and he could not harm him. Israel is under Hashem’s eternal protection, as hinted to, by his possession of the שור, Yosef, and the חמור, Yissaschar.

Confrontation Verses Diplomacy

There is some debate concerning Yakov Avinu’s approach in his dealing with Eisav. Many commentators felt that it wasn’t right the manner in which Yakov humbled himself before his brother.

He referred to Eisav as אדוני, my master, numerous times. There are opinions that there were even subtle punishments to Yakov for this approach. A righteous Jew should not lower himself before an evil person like Eisav.

It is interesting to note that Yakov’s descendant, Mordechai, had a completely different approach in dealing with Eisav’s descendant, Haman. Mordechai would not bow to this Jew hater, and certainly, showed him no respect.

Both approaches have their detractors. Even when Mordechai emerged as the hero of the Purim story, his strategy in dealing with Haman, was questioned.

The last verse of the Megilla says that he was appreciated by, “most of his brothers.” The Talmud in Masechet Megilla explained that there were still many Jews who felt that Mordechai was wrong in his confrontational approach. He should have chosen Yakov Avinu’s style of diplomacy, even at the price of being humiliated.

The Orchot Tzaddikim speaks of the importance of humility and the dangers of arrogance. His opinion is that the exception to this rule, is how we deal with evil. We are temporarily permitted to throw our humility aside, and fight evil head on, even though we may look arrogant in the process.

This debate of confrontation verses diplomacy still exists today and how we deal with our enemies. It seems to me that after two thousand years of exile, it is time that we hold our heads high. We must do what we must for our survival, without apologies to anyone!

Making Vows

There is some question concerning Yakov Avinu’s prayer to Hashem, before leaving Israel to find a wife. He chose to make a נדר, or a vow.

We learn from the Book of Kohelet that it is better not to make a vow, rather than to vow, and not fulfill it. One of the most sacred prayers of Yom Kippur is Kol Nidrei. We begin the holiest day of the year, with an attempt to clean the slate. We cannot ask for atonement knowing that we have made vows that we did not fulfill.

Apparently, the exception to the rule against making vows, is עת צרה, during times of trouble. Turning to Hashem at that time, with a resolve to take on a certain commitment, is acceptable. Yakov promised to give Maa’ser, a tenth of his income to Hashem if he would be given “bread to eat, and clothing to wear.”

There is also a book written as to how to conquer anger. The book is called, ארך אפים.” The book recommends that making a vow to overcome this negative character trait, is acceptable.

We see that we must always be careful to guard what comes out of our mouths. But we must be extremely careful not to make vows, or promises that we don’t keep. Only in very exceptional situations, is one able to make vows.

Blindness

The dialogue between Yakov Avinu and Lavan, is quite shocking. Lavan admits that Yakov’s G-d appeared to him in a dream. Had he not been told to leave him alone, he could have caused him great harm.

It is amazing that despite Lavan being shown, that Yakov’s G-d exists and is true, it does not change him from being the evil person he was. This only proves that when people are set in their ways and beliefs, even a revelation by Hashem, Himself, will not change them.

Years ago, Rav Meir Kahane would begin his speeches, with the following. “Anyone who has witnessed the events beginning in 1948, and does not see the Hand of G-d, is not a scoffer, he is not a non-believer. He is blind.”

We must learn from this incident of Lavan and Yakov, to be open to let in truth. We are living in incredible times. The rebirth of the Jewish nation has taken place right before our eyes. A country that did not exist before 1948, exerts great influence on the world. We see an ingathering of Jews from all over the world. We see more Torah study than that which existed two thousand years ago. And we see numerous prophecies fulfilled.

We must not be blind as Lavan was. He was shown the truth of G-d, and it did not change him. We, who are privileged to see G-d’s hand daily, must be awakened to appreciate the gift of the State of Israel. We should all live here, and do everything in our power, to strengthen this precious gift.

Time to Go Home

Harav Avigdor Burstein of Rananim Synagogue made an interesting and original observation about Yakov Avinu.

He referred to the incident where Yakov gathers his wives and tells them it’s time to return to Israel. He explained that an angel appeared to him in a dream, and gave him instructions as to be certain that all of the cattle born, will be striped and spotted. He wanted them to know that it was Divinely directed that he be paid what he deserved.

Rabbi Burstein added that this latter dream, made Yakov do a little self reflection.

He realized that twenty years ago, he was dreaming of ladders with angels ascending and descending. And now, twenty years later, he’s dreaming about sheep!

He saw this as a clear sign that his level of spirituality had declined significantly. This was the signal he needed to let him know that he better get back to Eretz Yisrael, as soon as possible. He did not want to be lowered into the world of materialism.

This is an important lesson that we must take, regarding our own self awareness. It is a good idea to regularly check that we are moving in the right direction spiritually. If there is a decline, we must act on it immediately. Obviously, the best solution is to live in Israel among holy, Torah Jews. That will definitely get us back on track, in our quest to serve Hashem faithfully.