- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayeshev
176
Though all of the participants in this drama are to be held accountable for their actions, nevertheless there is no doubt that there is an unseen hand that is guiding the events and directing them towards a certain goal. The realization of this will come only at the end of the drama when Yosef and his brothers reconcile and embrace one another. Only then will Yaakov also recognize that this is the opening act of the fulfillment of the prophecy made to his grandfather Avraham regarding the exile, servitude and redemption of the people of Israel. Only at the end of the drama does Yosef understand the full import of his dreams and visions. It is as the holy poet phrased it: "Only at the end of events, does one understand and contemplate correctly the original thought and plan." Though we are all held responsible for all of our actions and we possess complete freedom of choice regarding those actions, nevertheless it would be impossible for us to ignore the fact that our generation is part of an era where an unseen hand somehow is guiding events towards a certain purpose and fixed goal. We may be involved in our mundane lives, in elections and disputes, minor victories and great tensions, but we should notice that we are also part of a great drama and historical process that is unfolding with almost irresistible force. I think that this is the most important lesson for us to ponder as we study the Torah reading of this week.

The Road Back to Shechem
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The Dangers of Blind Love
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Family Complications
Rabbi Berel Wein | Kislev 21 5782

Vayeshev- Speech Therapy
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | 6 Shvat 5784

Parshat Tetzaveh
Rabbi Macy A. Gordon | 12 Shvat, 5763

Galut Mentality
Parshat Va’etchanan
Rabbi Yoel Revivo | 5766

What Really Happened to the Students of Rabbi Akiva?
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Iyar 17 5782

The Jewish Escort Service
Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Elul 5 5775

Daf Yomi Makkot Daf 19
R' Eli Stefansky | 29 Nisan 5785

Daf Yomi Makkot Daf 18
R' Eli Stefansky | 28 Nisan 5785

Reassuring His Parents – #314 – part I
Date and Place: 23 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Iyar 5785
