The Weekly Shtikle - Mikeitz

For the most part, the stories in the Torah follow a linear timeline. That is, one story follows another and another, etc. Even when we invoke the maxim of ein mukdam um'uchar baTorah, that it is possible for anecdotes to be temporally out of place, that is only to say that the entire story belongs in a different spot. But if we step back to last week's parsha, we observe something somewhat unique. After the sale of Yoseif, we learn the full story of Yehudah and his sons and his subsequent encounter with Tamar, resulting in the birth of twin boys. The Torah then resumes with Yoseif's storyline as it continues into this week's parsha. But Yehudah's story arc certainly took some time to develop. His own trials and tribulations were developing at the same time as Yoseif's.

Understandably, it would have been impractical for the Torah to follow the events in a strictly chronological order so we are told of the complete story of Yehudah and Tamar first. The exact time the whole story to transpire is not laid out in the pesukim. According to some assessments, it actually took exactly 22 years – the same duration of time as Yoseif's story until Yaakov finally comes down to Mitzrayim in next week's parsha. This may seem like nothing more than a trivial – although interesting – fact. However, it might help us understand an issue that we have dealt with previously. Why did Yaakov reject Reuvain's offer to be responsible for Binyamin while Yehudah's pledge was accepted? Perhaps we can now understand that Yaakov was aware of the challenges Yehudah had just recently faced and perhaps was still embroiled with. He knew that Yehudah understood the loss of a child as he had lost two of his own. Yehudah's offer therefore appeared much more altruistic and Yaakov chose to put his trust in him.

Have a Chaunkah Samei'ach, a good Shabbos and chodesh tov!

 

Eliezer Bulka
WeeklyShtikle@weeklyshtikle.com

 

Shtikle Blog Weekly Roundup:
Dikdukian: Clear the Halls (Chanukah)

Dikdukian: Na'asah Nes

Dikdukian: Who's agitating my dots?

Dikdukian: Be Strong

Dikdukian: Just Do It!

Dikdukian: You Make the Call: Ukra'ahu

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The Weekly Shtikle - Vayeishev

There is much intrigue surrounding the story of the brothers' treatment of Yoseif and the crime that was ultimately perpetrated. Even establishing the exact facts of the incident can be challenging, let alone understanding the motives and thought processes behind each character's actions. The first step of the sale of Yoseif is his sale to the Yishmaelim. Yehudah suggests (37:27) "let us sell him to the Yishmaelim… for he is our brother, our flesh." A thought occurred to me – is it possible that Yehudah could have been referring not to Yoseif but to Yishmael?

Sure enough, Kli Yekar, makes that very suggestion. He goes to great lengths to explain the brothers' plans and change of plans and posits that they specifically sold him to the Yishmaelim with the expectation that as "cousins," they would show mercy towards Yoseif and not mistreat him.

Have a good Shabbos and Chanukah Samei'ach!

Eliezer Bulka
WeeklyShtikle@weeklyshtikle.com

Shtikle Blog Weekly Roundup:

Dikdukian: Clear the Halls (Chanukah)

Dikdukian: Naaseh Neis (Chanukah)

Please visit the new portal for all Shtikle-related sites, www.weeklyshtikle.com

The Weekly Shtikle and related content are now featured on BaltimoreJewishLife.com

 

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The Weekly Shtikle - Vayishlach

When Yaakov learns that Eisav is coming to meet him with 400 men, he expresses great fear as stated (32:8) "vayira Yaakov me'od vayeitzer lo." There are various suggestions given as to the exact definition of the word vayeitzer. The predominant interpretation seems to be that it is from the same root as tzar, implying that Yaakov was stressed.

I suggest that perhaps this word is from the root of the word yeitzer which comes from the same root as tzurah, a form. While the body is the physical form of the human being, the yeitzer - both the yeitzer tov and the yeitzer hara - comprises spiritual form of the human being. Yaakov's yeitzer, his spiritual form, was one that directly opposed murder and violence, unlike his brother Eisav. Rashi writes that while vayira was indicative a fear that he himself may be killed, the connotation of vayeizter is that Yaakov was worried that he might be put in a position where he would have to kill others. In other words, Yaakov was troubled that he would be forced to act in a way that is antithetical to his yeitzer. Thus, vayeitzer can be interpreted to mean that his yeitzer was being bothered.

Have a good Shabbos.

 

Eliezer Bulka
WeeklyShtikle@weeklyshtikle.com

 

Shtikle Blog Weekly Roundup:

Dikdukian: The Great Dishon Confusion

Dikdukian: Appearances

Dikdukian: Efrasah, What is your Real Name?

Al Pi Cheshbon: Goats and Amicable Numbers by Dr. Ari Brodsky

Please visit the new portal for all Shtikle-related sites, www.weeklyshtikle.com

The Weekly Shtikle and related content are now featured on BaltimoreJewishLife.com

 

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