|
Shabbat Parashat Vayeishev 5775Parashat Hashavua: Fleeing in Vastly Different DirectionsHarav Yosef CarmelOne of the highlights of our parasha is the moment of spiritual elevation that turned to a symbol for generations of strengthening oneself in service of Hashem – Yosef’s fleeing from the clutches of Potiphar’s wife, thereby standing up to a great moral test. Chazal connect between this fleeing and the miracle of the Splitting of the Sea. “In the merit of the bones of Yosef, I will split the sea for them, as it says, ‘He left his garment with her and he fled outside’ (Bereishit 39:12), and it is written, ‘The sea saw and fled’ (Tehillim 114:3)” (Mechilta D’Rabbi Yishmael, Beshalach 3). The haftara of Vayeishev also speaks of fleeing, in this case, regarding the weakening of the brave and strong, who will end up fleeing the battlefield (Amos 2:14-16). Later on, the navi speaks about a powerful earthquake that will cause much destruction, followed by survivors being killed by sword without the ability to flee or even being taken as captives (ibid. 9:1). These two mentions of fleeing are also connected to Yosef, but in a negative way. It is impossible to finish this discussion without citing the fleeing that is prophesied by the prophet Zecharia (14:3-8). While using imagery from Amos, Zecharia takes it to a positive place. He tells how Hashem will go out to fight against the nations who will attack Eretz Yisrael. Hashem will ‘stand’ on Har Hazeitim, as the mountain will split, with part going toward the Dead Sea to the east and part toward the The merits of our predecessors indeed stand up for us for thousands of generations (see Shemot 34:7). May we be worthy of seeing miracles in the merit of Yosef Hatzaddik. Top of page
Print this page
Send to friend
|
Hemdat Yamim is dedicated to the memory of: All those who fell in the war for our homeland. Mrs. Sara Wengrowsky bat R’ Moshe Zev a”h. who passed away on 10 Tamuz, 5774 Shirley, Sara Rivka bat Yaakov Tzvi HaCohen z”l R' Meir Yechezkel Shraga Brachfeld o.b.m Rabbi Yosef Mordechai Simcha ben Bina Stern o.b.m who passed away 21 Adar I, 5774 R' Yaakov ben Abraham & Aisha and Chana bat Yaish & Simcha Sebbag, z"l R' Shmuel Shemesh z"l Eretz Hemdah's Board Member who passed away 17 Sivan, 5774 Hemdat Yamim is endowed by Les & Ethel Sutker of Louis and Lillian Klein, z”l |