The first Midrash in this weeks parsha: He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chastiseth him (Prov. 13:24). Normally, if a man in-forms his friend that someone has beaten his son, the fa-ther would deprive the guilty person even of the source of his livelihood. Why, then, does [...]
As we know, Yaakov and his family’s descent to Mitzraim is the beginning of a long and difficult time for Klal Yisroel. This galus was initiated by the selling of Yosef. Rav Pinkus points out that this divide between Jews and their brother sowed the seeds for future galus, and ultimately caused the destruction fo [...]
Regarding the conflict between Yosef and the Brothers, chazal comment that because of Yaakovs special treatment of Yosef, even if only minute, caused the discord and hatred which eventually led to Klal Yisroel being led into Galus and years of slavery and suffering. How was Yaakov then, supposed to treat Yosef? If he was [...]
(in the name of Rabbi Adam Siegel in the name of Rabbi Shapiro) When the brothers brought Joseph's coat to Jacob, Jacob said, a wild animal, a " חיה רעה " ate him. Rashi points out that he was not wrong, that he had ruach hakodesh and saw that Potifar's wife was a wild [...]
Chanuka I am told is the most celebrated holiday in Israel. According to surveys that were done it seems that 95% of Jews in Israel light the menorah. What is often forgotten by all Jews who emphasize the importance of lighting the menorah are the other mitzvot of Chanuka which are hallel and al [...]
The Parsha of Dina is hard, both to read and understand. Dina was perhaps the first Jewish teen to “Go hang out in the Park” or “Go for a Shabbos walk”. Like the Torah says, she was just curious to see what is out there, and unfortunately fell into tragedy. What is important though [...]
The Midrash Tanchuma this week relates how in Yaakovs dream he saw the angels representing all the nations of the world climbing up the ladder and then at different points falling back down. None were able to ascend and continue to ascend all the way. Hashem coaxed Yakov to ascend the ladder himself, but [...]
The Midrash Tanchuma asks why was it that only Yitzchak became blind from the actions of Eisav and his wives and not Rivka. The Midrash answers because Rivka grew up with Lvan and Besuel, while Yitzchak grew up in the house of Avraham, and so was more sensitive and effected. Compare this with the [...]
Rav Chaim Shmueletz points out this week seemingly contradictory Midrashim. On the one hand, in Zechus of Avrahams chessed Klal Yisroel were Zocheh to protection and support in the Midbar. Avraham offer the Malachim food, so we got the Manna. He stood and served them, so we were protected by the Ananei Hakavod. He [...]
Avraham just finished doing akaidas yitzchak, one of the most powerful spiritual experiences ever. Right after that, the Torah talks about Nachor and all the children that he had. Why? From spiritual heights to a man that worships avoda Zara? Maybe it's to teach that even if you are on a high level and [...]