Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
Joseph as the viceroy of Egypt had set his brothers up in a situation where their youngest brother Benjamin would have to remain in Egypt as a slave to Pharaoh. Yehuda stood before Joseph and begged him to have mercy on their elderly father, who could not bear the loss of another son. He spoke to him respectfully yet firmly, offering to remain behind in Benjamin’s place.
When Joseph saw how concerned his brothers were about Benjamin and Jacob, he realized that they had repented since the days they had tormented him without regard for their father’s feelings. He no longer had any reason to hide his identity from his brothers. He ordered all the Egyptians out of the room to spare his brothers the shame, and then revealed his identity to them.
The brothers were so dumbfounded they could not say a word. All the pieces of the mystery of their Egyptian experience now came together. They were ashamed of their earlier treatment of Joseph. Joseph, however, consoled them and assured them that although their intentions had not been proper, G-d had used the incident as a means of placing Joseph into the position of being a benefactor to his family. Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan with wagons to bring their father and families down to Egypt where they would be protected from the famine. This was the beginning of the exile foretold earlier to Abraham.
When Jacob heard that not only was Joseph still alive, but that he had also maintained his level of righteousness in the palace of Pharaoh, his spirits were revived. He immediately made plans to travel to Egypt to see Joseph before he died.
G-d appeared to Jacob in a dream and informed him that He would accompany Jacob and his family down to Egypt, and that they would become a great nation there. Eventually they would return back to Canaan.
Jacob and his family came to Egypt, where Pharaoh cordially greeted them. They settled in Goshen, a suburb of Egypt, where they could live apart from the Egyptian culture.
The Torah relates that as the famine became worse and the Egyptian resources were depleted, Joseph took all the Egyptians’ land for Pharaoh in exchange for food. He resettled the whole nation in different areas. This was done in order to make his brothers feel more comfortable. They would not feel like strangers if everyone else was also relocated. He also extended an exemption to the priests. This would serve as a precedent for the exemption of the Levites, once the Jewish slavery in exile began.
...(Joseph said)”Now, don’t be distressed, nor reproach yourselves for having sold me, for it was to be a provider that G-d sent me...” (Gen. 45:5)
Shmuel HaNagid served as an advisor to the King of Spain. The king was once traveling with Shmuel HaNagid and overheard a jealous neighbor loudly cursing the king’s Jewish advisor. The king was furious at the man’s disrespect, and ordered Shmuel HaNagid to cut out the man’s evil tongue.
Shmuel befriended the neighbor and showered him with presents. Several months later the king again passed the neighbor’s home with his advisor and heard him heaping praises upon Shmuel HaNagid. “Didn’t I tell you to cut that man’s tongue out?” the king asked Shmuel.
“Your Majesty instructed me to cut out his evil tongue,” Shmuel HaNagid replied, “I did that, and replaced it with a good tongue instead!”
Did You Know...
One must recite the three chapters of the Shema twice each day; once in the morning and again in the evening. The Shema may be recited in any position, but if one was sitting he should not intentionally stand up before reciting the Shema.
One must understand the meaning of at least the first passage. If he does not understand the words, he has not fulfilled his obligation and it should be repeated silently. If one does not understand the words, he may recite it a different language.
The custom is to cover one’s eyes with the right hand while reciting the first passage, in order to better focus on the meaning of the words. After the first passage is recited out loud, the passage of “Boruch shem” is recited silently.
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December 28, 2006
December 21, 2006
Parshas Miketz (Chanuka) 5767
Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
Thirteen years had passed since Joseph was abducted from his father’s home. During that time he had been sold into slavery, was falsely accused of attacking his master’s wife, and was then imprisoned. For all practical purposes Joseph seemed to have been forgotten. Yet, when the Divine Plan to fulfill Joseph’s dreams of leadership began to be realized, it happened swiftly. In a matter of moments a relatively unknown prisoner rose to become the viceroy over Egypt.
Pharaoh dreamed two disturbing dreams that his advisors could not interpret satisfactorily. In one dream he saw seven lean and sickly cows swallow seven healthy cows. In the next dream he saw seven measly sheaves of grain swallow seven plump sheaves. Pharaoh understood that there was a message alluded to in the dreams, but he could not understand what it was.
The wine butler suddenly recalled how Joseph had successfully interpreted his own dream in prison, and mentioned this to Pharaoh. Joseph was hurried out of prison, cleaned up and dressed properly, and brought before Pharaoh. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream to mean that G-d was going to send seven years of bounty to Egypt, followed by seven years of terrible famine. He also recommended that Pharaoh appoint somebody to prepare Egypt for the years of hunger.
Pharaoh was very impressed with Joseph’s wisdom, integrity and concern. He appointed Joseph as the viceroy of all Egypt. Joseph stored grain during the years of plenty to prepare the succeeding years. Pharaoh also gave Joseph Osnas, the daughter of his former master Potiphar, as a wife. She bore him two sons, Menashe and Ephraim.
Once the famine began, the whole country was at the mercy of Joseph. When the famine reached Canaan too, Jacob sent ten of his sons to Egypt to purchase food. Benjamin was not sent because Jacob was concerned lest he get hurt on the way. Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.
Joseph decided to test his brothers to see if they truly regretted their earlier actions towards him before he would forgive them. He accused his brothers of spying and told them that they must bring their younger brother back with them to prove their innocence. Joseph then tried to re-create a situation by planting his silver goblet in Benjamin’s sack to see how his brothers would treat their youngest brother Benjamin when he would fall into their disfavor. If they would show him the proper compassion, and show concern for their elderly father, Joseph figured that he would reveal himself to them and forgive them for what they had done to him.
“...and He commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah” (Chanukah liturgy)
One Chanukah, Rabbi Abraham Twerski visited an elderly friend, Lazer, who was quite ill in the hospital. Lazer was depressed, having received a poor prognosis from his doctors.
Although the hospital forbade lighting Chanukah candles, Rabbi Twerski pleaded that Lazer be allowed to light them, and he assured that Lazer’s wife would remain with the candles as long as they burned. The hospital agreed.
Lazer was overjoyed. “Listen,” he said, “The oil in the Temple could only burn naturally for one day, yet it burned for eight days. The doctors say I have only one year to live. But that’s according to nature. G-d can turn one year into eight, or even more!”
The doctors could not understand how Lazer actually survived ten years, without any treatment! It seems radiation couldn’t help him, but the radiance of the Chanukah candles was even more powerful.
Did You Know...
Any remaining oil in the Chanukah menorah after Chanukah must be disposed of properly. Since the oil was designated for the mitzvah of Chanukah, it may not be used for anything else.
Preferably one should collect all the remaining oil and burn it together. If there is still some oil left, one should wrap it up and dispose of it in a respectful manner.
The oil should not be stored for the following year, as the Rabbis were concerned one might forget and use it sometime during the year. Any remaining oil in the bottle is not considered designated for Chanukah, and may be used for anything one wishes.
Thirteen years had passed since Joseph was abducted from his father’s home. During that time he had been sold into slavery, was falsely accused of attacking his master’s wife, and was then imprisoned. For all practical purposes Joseph seemed to have been forgotten. Yet, when the Divine Plan to fulfill Joseph’s dreams of leadership began to be realized, it happened swiftly. In a matter of moments a relatively unknown prisoner rose to become the viceroy over Egypt.
Pharaoh dreamed two disturbing dreams that his advisors could not interpret satisfactorily. In one dream he saw seven lean and sickly cows swallow seven healthy cows. In the next dream he saw seven measly sheaves of grain swallow seven plump sheaves. Pharaoh understood that there was a message alluded to in the dreams, but he could not understand what it was.
The wine butler suddenly recalled how Joseph had successfully interpreted his own dream in prison, and mentioned this to Pharaoh. Joseph was hurried out of prison, cleaned up and dressed properly, and brought before Pharaoh. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream to mean that G-d was going to send seven years of bounty to Egypt, followed by seven years of terrible famine. He also recommended that Pharaoh appoint somebody to prepare Egypt for the years of hunger.
Pharaoh was very impressed with Joseph’s wisdom, integrity and concern. He appointed Joseph as the viceroy of all Egypt. Joseph stored grain during the years of plenty to prepare the succeeding years. Pharaoh also gave Joseph Osnas, the daughter of his former master Potiphar, as a wife. She bore him two sons, Menashe and Ephraim.
Once the famine began, the whole country was at the mercy of Joseph. When the famine reached Canaan too, Jacob sent ten of his sons to Egypt to purchase food. Benjamin was not sent because Jacob was concerned lest he get hurt on the way. Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.
Joseph decided to test his brothers to see if they truly regretted their earlier actions towards him before he would forgive them. He accused his brothers of spying and told them that they must bring their younger brother back with them to prove their innocence. Joseph then tried to re-create a situation by planting his silver goblet in Benjamin’s sack to see how his brothers would treat their youngest brother Benjamin when he would fall into their disfavor. If they would show him the proper compassion, and show concern for their elderly father, Joseph figured that he would reveal himself to them and forgive them for what they had done to him.
“...and He commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah” (Chanukah liturgy)
One Chanukah, Rabbi Abraham Twerski visited an elderly friend, Lazer, who was quite ill in the hospital. Lazer was depressed, having received a poor prognosis from his doctors.
Although the hospital forbade lighting Chanukah candles, Rabbi Twerski pleaded that Lazer be allowed to light them, and he assured that Lazer’s wife would remain with the candles as long as they burned. The hospital agreed.
Lazer was overjoyed. “Listen,” he said, “The oil in the Temple could only burn naturally for one day, yet it burned for eight days. The doctors say I have only one year to live. But that’s according to nature. G-d can turn one year into eight, or even more!”
The doctors could not understand how Lazer actually survived ten years, without any treatment! It seems radiation couldn’t help him, but the radiance of the Chanukah candles was even more powerful.
Did You Know...
Any remaining oil in the Chanukah menorah after Chanukah must be disposed of properly. Since the oil was designated for the mitzvah of Chanukah, it may not be used for anything else.
Preferably one should collect all the remaining oil and burn it together. If there is still some oil left, one should wrap it up and dispose of it in a respectful manner.
The oil should not be stored for the following year, as the Rabbis were concerned one might forget and use it sometime during the year. Any remaining oil in the bottle is not considered designated for Chanukah, and may be used for anything one wishes.
December 14, 2006
Parshas Vayeishev 5767
Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
The roots of all Jewish history can be traced to the story of our forefathers and their families. In the story of Joseph and his brothers the roots of the Egyptian exile and the ultimate Redemption can be seen.
Jacob favored his son Joseph more than his other sons. He taught him individually and made him a special colorful garment. This incurred the jealousy of his brothers. It was compounded further when Joseph related his prophetic dreams about his leadership to his brothers. Although the Talmud finds fault with Jacob’s treatment of Joseph, his intentions were to prepare Joseph for the challenges he would have to endure before assuming leadership.
The brothers eventually conspired to kill Joseph, but then decided to sell him instead as a slave. They took Joseph’s coat, dipped it in blood, and sent it to their father, implying that an animal had attacked him. Jacob could not be consoled. The brothers obviously acted improperly, yet their actions were also part of an orchestrated masterplan to set the stage in Egypt for the family’s eventual exile.
At the same time, Yehuda, the born leader of the brothers, and the one most affected by Joseph’s dreams, started his own family. His first son, Er, died and Yehuda had the widow, Tamar, marry his second son, Onan. Onan also died and Yehuda sent Tamar to her father’s home. However, Tamar desired to have children through Yehuda’s family, and in a strange turn of events she fooled Yehuda into living with her. Yehuda did not even realize that he had made her pregnant. When confronted with the realization of what he had done, Yehuda publicly admitted to his actions, accepting full responsibility. Tamar bore twin boys, one of whom, Peretz, would be the forbearer of the Davidic, and ultimately the Messianic, dynasty.
Meanwhile, Joseph was taken to Egypt where he became a servant in the house of one of Pharaoh’s officers, Potiphar. Joseph was very handsome, and Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, but he would not consent to her advances, despite all her efforts. As a result, she slandered Joseph and he was sent to prison, where he remained for eleven years.
Jacob’s efforts in preparing Joseph paid off. Regardless of all the difficult circumstances he found himself in, Joseph maintained a positive disposition. This virtue would be of great importance when Joseph would later assume a leadership role.
The man asked him, saying, “What do you seek?” (Gen. 37:15)
A poor man came to a wealthy disciple of Rav Chaim Sanzer for assistance, but the wealthy man excused himself that he was involved in Torah study. Later, when he came to his teacher, Rav Chaim refused to meet him.
Rav Chaim said that the Torah relates that a “man” fought with Jacob. Rashi identifies this man as the evil angel of Esau. The Torah also relates that a man approached Joseph, in this week’s portion. Rashi identifies him as the angel Gabriel. How do we know which angel was which? The explanation is that when an unknown man offers assistance to the lost Joseph, he must be a good angel. Whereas when Jacob asked the man for a blessing, he refused, citing that he had to go sing G-d’s praises (see Rashi ad loc). Someone who has no time for others because he is spiritually occupied can only be the angel of Esau.
Did You Know...
A person must light Chanukah candles in his own home. If one is a guest at a friend’s home for the evening, he should first light at home before leaving, or else light later after he returns home. Preferably, one should remain home for the first half hour the candles are lit. If he will be sleeping at the friend’s home, he need not light at home, but should either light himself at the friend’s home, or else give the friend some money to become a partner in his lighting.
If one is staying at a hotel, the candles should be lit in the hotel. If one will be in transit through the night, he should have his wife light for him at home. If the whole family is traveling through the night, the mitzvah cannot be fulfilled, although if there is no safety risk, the candles may be lit in the vehicle.
The roots of all Jewish history can be traced to the story of our forefathers and their families. In the story of Joseph and his brothers the roots of the Egyptian exile and the ultimate Redemption can be seen.
Jacob favored his son Joseph more than his other sons. He taught him individually and made him a special colorful garment. This incurred the jealousy of his brothers. It was compounded further when Joseph related his prophetic dreams about his leadership to his brothers. Although the Talmud finds fault with Jacob’s treatment of Joseph, his intentions were to prepare Joseph for the challenges he would have to endure before assuming leadership.
The brothers eventually conspired to kill Joseph, but then decided to sell him instead as a slave. They took Joseph’s coat, dipped it in blood, and sent it to their father, implying that an animal had attacked him. Jacob could not be consoled. The brothers obviously acted improperly, yet their actions were also part of an orchestrated masterplan to set the stage in Egypt for the family’s eventual exile.
At the same time, Yehuda, the born leader of the brothers, and the one most affected by Joseph’s dreams, started his own family. His first son, Er, died and Yehuda had the widow, Tamar, marry his second son, Onan. Onan also died and Yehuda sent Tamar to her father’s home. However, Tamar desired to have children through Yehuda’s family, and in a strange turn of events she fooled Yehuda into living with her. Yehuda did not even realize that he had made her pregnant. When confronted with the realization of what he had done, Yehuda publicly admitted to his actions, accepting full responsibility. Tamar bore twin boys, one of whom, Peretz, would be the forbearer of the Davidic, and ultimately the Messianic, dynasty.
Meanwhile, Joseph was taken to Egypt where he became a servant in the house of one of Pharaoh’s officers, Potiphar. Joseph was very handsome, and Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, but he would not consent to her advances, despite all her efforts. As a result, she slandered Joseph and he was sent to prison, where he remained for eleven years.
Jacob’s efforts in preparing Joseph paid off. Regardless of all the difficult circumstances he found himself in, Joseph maintained a positive disposition. This virtue would be of great importance when Joseph would later assume a leadership role.
The man asked him, saying, “What do you seek?” (Gen. 37:15)
A poor man came to a wealthy disciple of Rav Chaim Sanzer for assistance, but the wealthy man excused himself that he was involved in Torah study. Later, when he came to his teacher, Rav Chaim refused to meet him.
Rav Chaim said that the Torah relates that a “man” fought with Jacob. Rashi identifies this man as the evil angel of Esau. The Torah also relates that a man approached Joseph, in this week’s portion. Rashi identifies him as the angel Gabriel. How do we know which angel was which? The explanation is that when an unknown man offers assistance to the lost Joseph, he must be a good angel. Whereas when Jacob asked the man for a blessing, he refused, citing that he had to go sing G-d’s praises (see Rashi ad loc). Someone who has no time for others because he is spiritually occupied can only be the angel of Esau.
Did You Know...
A person must light Chanukah candles in his own home. If one is a guest at a friend’s home for the evening, he should first light at home before leaving, or else light later after he returns home. Preferably, one should remain home for the first half hour the candles are lit. If he will be sleeping at the friend’s home, he need not light at home, but should either light himself at the friend’s home, or else give the friend some money to become a partner in his lighting.
If one is staying at a hotel, the candles should be lit in the hotel. If one will be in transit through the night, he should have his wife light for him at home. If the whole family is traveling through the night, the mitzvah cannot be fulfilled, although if there is no safety risk, the candles may be lit in the vehicle.
December 7, 2006
Parshas Vayishlach 5767
Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum
On the way home from Laban’s house, Jacob received word that Esau was coming towards him with an army of 400 men. He understood that Esau’s hatred had not yet abated since thirty-four years earlier, when they had last seen each other.
Jacob prepared for his meeting with Esau in three ways: He first sent a gift to Esau, he prayed to G-d for assistance, and he planned a military strategy.
The gift was meant to appease Esau’s enmity. Jacob wanted to show that he would share his material success with Esau, and that he was not trying to usurp his brother’s blessing for his own material gain. Yet Jacob was realistic too. In the event that Esau would not be placated by the gift, Jacob realized he must prepare for war. He divided his camp into two parts. If one camp would be attacked, the other would always be able to flee to safety, thus ensuring Jacob’s survival.
But even after both of these precautions were taken, Jacob realized that salvation was dependent upon the Al-mighty. He therefore prayed for G-d’s protection from the dangers of Esau.
Jacob’s concern about his future was a valid one. The night before the meeting, after taking his family across the river, Jacob returned to retrieve some small pitchers he had forgotten behind. While Jacob was alone, an angel fought with Jacob until morning. The Talmud identifies this angel as the spiritual force of Esau. The struggle actually foreshadowed the physical meeting Jacob would encounter the next day with Esau. The angel could not win over Jacob, but he did wound Jacob’s thigh. The commentators understand the symbolism of the thigh as a reference to Jacob’s children, thereby threatening Jacob’s survival. Jacob would not let the angel go until he blessed him. This was Esau’s admission and recognition of Jacob’s rights to their father’s blessings. The angel named Jacob “Israel”, meaning that he was victorious in his quest over the angel.
The following day Esau did have a change of heart and let Jacob return home in peace.
Jacob’s challenges were not yet over, though. His daughter Dinah was abducted, and Rachel, his wife, died in childbirth shortly before he returned home. Jacob decided to bury her near Bethlehem, instead of in Chevron with the other Patriarchs and Matriarchs. He wanted to allow his descendants to be able to pray by her tomb during their exile from Jerusalem. Rachel’s tomb remains a special place to pray for our needs until this day.
“ ...Save me from the hands of my brother, from the hands of Esau...”(Gen. 32:12)
Beis HaLevi explains the double terminology to mean that Jacob feared both the danger of physical harm, as well as that of the spiritual influence of his brother.
Rav Elchanan Wasserman was once asked how to deal with a student who had strayed from the path. Rav Wasserman said that the student should be dealt with kindly, to try and influence him properly. When asked if he would accept him into his yeshiva, though, Rav Wasserman vehemently refused. “It is true that one must try to bring the boy back,” he explained, “But I have a responsibility to my students too, and I must protect them from the risk of being influenced negatively.”
Did you know...
The primary obligation to light the Chanukah menorah is upon the household. The Talmud recommends that the children also light their own menorahs. A wife need not light her own menorah, as her husband’s kindling is considered as if she too lit.
There are different customs whether or not young girls in the family should light their own menorahs.
On Friday, the Chanukah candles should be lit right before the Shabbos candles are lit, since the woman accepts Shabbos once she kindles the Shabbos candles, and she may no longer light the Chanukah candles.
On the way home from Laban’s house, Jacob received word that Esau was coming towards him with an army of 400 men. He understood that Esau’s hatred had not yet abated since thirty-four years earlier, when they had last seen each other.
Jacob prepared for his meeting with Esau in three ways: He first sent a gift to Esau, he prayed to G-d for assistance, and he planned a military strategy.
The gift was meant to appease Esau’s enmity. Jacob wanted to show that he would share his material success with Esau, and that he was not trying to usurp his brother’s blessing for his own material gain. Yet Jacob was realistic too. In the event that Esau would not be placated by the gift, Jacob realized he must prepare for war. He divided his camp into two parts. If one camp would be attacked, the other would always be able to flee to safety, thus ensuring Jacob’s survival.
But even after both of these precautions were taken, Jacob realized that salvation was dependent upon the Al-mighty. He therefore prayed for G-d’s protection from the dangers of Esau.
Jacob’s concern about his future was a valid one. The night before the meeting, after taking his family across the river, Jacob returned to retrieve some small pitchers he had forgotten behind. While Jacob was alone, an angel fought with Jacob until morning. The Talmud identifies this angel as the spiritual force of Esau. The struggle actually foreshadowed the physical meeting Jacob would encounter the next day with Esau. The angel could not win over Jacob, but he did wound Jacob’s thigh. The commentators understand the symbolism of the thigh as a reference to Jacob’s children, thereby threatening Jacob’s survival. Jacob would not let the angel go until he blessed him. This was Esau’s admission and recognition of Jacob’s rights to their father’s blessings. The angel named Jacob “Israel”, meaning that he was victorious in his quest over the angel.
The following day Esau did have a change of heart and let Jacob return home in peace.
Jacob’s challenges were not yet over, though. His daughter Dinah was abducted, and Rachel, his wife, died in childbirth shortly before he returned home. Jacob decided to bury her near Bethlehem, instead of in Chevron with the other Patriarchs and Matriarchs. He wanted to allow his descendants to be able to pray by her tomb during their exile from Jerusalem. Rachel’s tomb remains a special place to pray for our needs until this day.
“ ...Save me from the hands of my brother, from the hands of Esau...”(Gen. 32:12)
Beis HaLevi explains the double terminology to mean that Jacob feared both the danger of physical harm, as well as that of the spiritual influence of his brother.
Rav Elchanan Wasserman was once asked how to deal with a student who had strayed from the path. Rav Wasserman said that the student should be dealt with kindly, to try and influence him properly. When asked if he would accept him into his yeshiva, though, Rav Wasserman vehemently refused. “It is true that one must try to bring the boy back,” he explained, “But I have a responsibility to my students too, and I must protect them from the risk of being influenced negatively.”
Did you know...
The primary obligation to light the Chanukah menorah is upon the household. The Talmud recommends that the children also light their own menorahs. A wife need not light her own menorah, as her husband’s kindling is considered as if she too lit.
There are different customs whether or not young girls in the family should light their own menorahs.
On Friday, the Chanukah candles should be lit right before the Shabbos candles are lit, since the woman accepts Shabbos once she kindles the Shabbos candles, and she may no longer light the Chanukah candles.
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