Illuminations #140, Kislev 5778, Parshat Vayeishev
Torah Gems
In this week’s Parshah,Yaakov sends Yosef to check on his brothers who went out to pasture their flock. The Torah tells us that Yosef was lost, wandering about in the field, and “a man” found him and asked him if he needed any assistance. Rashi explains that this man was none other than Mal’ach Gavriel. This explanation is somewhat puzzling in light of the fact that in last week’s Parshah when the Torah tells us that “a man” wrestled with Yaakov, Rashi explains that this was the Sar of Eisav – the angle of evil. So what indication did Rashi have that that in this episode with Yosef, the Torah is referring to a different man than the one who wrestled with Yaakov?
Rabbi Mordechai Druk explains that the when Yaakov asked the angel for a blessing he replied that he didn’t have time to bless Yaakov because he needed to “sing the praise of G-d,” i.e. the morning prayers. Someone who avoids an opportunity to help a fellow man under the guise of righteousness and piety must be none other than the angel of evil. Contrast this with the “man” in this week’s Parshah who offered assistance to Yosef in his time of need. This “man” actively sought to help his fellow man, therefore this man must be none other than Mal’ach Gavriel.
Parsha Pearls
The Torah tells us that Yosef was sold to a group of merchants who were transporting sweet smelling spices to Mitzrayim. Rashi explains that the Torah went out of its way to inform us of the contents of their load in order to demonstrate Hashem’s special treatment of Tzadikkim. Usually these merchants would be transporting tar and pitch which have obnoxious odors but in honor of Yosef, Hashem orchestrated a transport that had a very pleasant aroma. The question arises: Yosef was in such a desperate and demeaning situation, did it really matter to him at that point what the transport smelled like? His personal comfort during that trip was probably the least of his concerns. The Baaley Mussar point out that this demonstrates how Hashem’s treatment of his creatures is always perfect and exact. Each and every person gets exactly what he deserves and not one bit less or more.
Glimpses of Greatness
Rav Ben Sion Abba Shaul was known for his humility and great respect for others. He was always very careful to accompany his visitors when they left his house. Once a doctor came to his house to examine his feet. When he was done, the doctor didn’t want to cause Rav Ben Sion the burden of accompanying him out, so he left in a hurry before Rav Ben Sion had a chance to put on his shoes and socks. Rav Ben Sion did not let the doctor get the better of him and he escorted the doctor down the hall to the elevator barefoot!
Halacha Weekly
Q. How should a Jew act if he is partner in a business operating on Shabbat? [1-3-31]
A. Shulchan Aruch (Orech Chaim
The Mishneh Berurah (R. Yisrae