Spring Chicken- Parshat Vayigash 2020/ 5781

 

Insights and Inspiration

from the

Holy Land

from

Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz

 "Your friend in Karmiel"

December 25^th 2020 -Volume 11 Issue 11 10^th Tevet 5781

 

Parshat Vayigash

 

Spring Chicken

 

Back in the 1700's farmers discovered that chickens that had not gone through a winter and were born in the spring time were considered tastier and would thus bring better prices in the Market place. So when they would advertise their chickens for sale they would market them as "spring-chickens". Now there were some unscrupulous farmers out there that would try to pass off their older winter-born chickens as having been born fresh in the spring, and it worked on lots of people. But those real chicken connoisseurs knew after taking one bite of that schnitzel sandwich that what they were fressing on was definitely "no spring chicken". And there you have the origin of that oft used phrase to describe old fogey birthday boys like myself.  What other weekly Parsha E-Mail gives you this type of important life information. Consider it my birthday present to you.

 

Now being born in December in snowy NYC I don't think anyone ever considered me a spring chicken, although I have been confused for a beef shwarma occasionally. Yet becoming 50 brings it to a whole new level. I've been on this planet for a half a century. There haven't even been 20 centuries since the destruction of the Temple. There have been less than 40 since the times of Abraham. I'm ancient if you think about it in historical terms. And when you hit 50 those are the only terms you start to think in.

 

I read a story recently about the great 18^th century Gaon, Reb Aryeh Leib Gunzberg. Ever hear of him? Don't feel bad, I didn't know the Shaagas Aryeh's last name either, although certainly the name of his brilliant work by which he was called is familiar to every yeshiva student. But don't feel too bad about not knowing his last name, for most of his life this great rabbi who wandered from community to community with his wife sleeping in shelters in totally poverty wasn't known to most people, despite his sefer having dazzled most of the Talmudic world by its incredible depth and halachic analysis. He was 60 years old when he was "discovered" by Rebbi Noson Adler in in Frankfort (the Rebbi of the Chasam Sofer) who convinced him to take a position in the large city of Metz in France. His light shouldn't be hidden from the world anymore. His roar needed to be heard.

 

So the opening week when he arrived was Parshas Vayigash, this week's Torah portion. Not everyone in Metz was excited about the new Rav. Not that they doubted his brilliance and leadership skills. He was just no spring chicken. 60 back then was like 90 these days, as the average life expectancy was about 45. I'm not making that up by the way, check it out. According to that calculation, it would make me about 70 or something now by today's life expectancy standards. Math was never my strong subject, for those of you making the calculation and are considering writing me a correction E-Mail. But it certainly was understandable, why they opposed the hiring of such an elderly Rabbi. It wasn't cheap to bring a Rabbi in to town and there was the obvious concern that at Reb Aryeh Leib's age this was going to be a very short term investment. Thus his first task as Rabbi was to convince the naysayers that he was there for the long run.

 

He began his drasha with a great question. Our parsha tells us that when Yaakov comes down to Egypt to greet Pharaoh. Pharaoh sees Yaakov and immediately, seemingly taken aback by Yaakov's old appearance, asks him how old he is? Certainly a strange and inappropriate question. Yaakov's answer is even more strange. Because rather than just giving him a number Yaakov launches into a whole drasha

 

Bereishis (47:9) And Yaakov, answered Pharaoh, “The years of my sojourn [on earth] are one hundred and thirty. Few and hard have been the years of my life, nor do they come up to the life spans of my fathers during their sojourns.”

 

As my grandfather used to say "Vehr hut du g'fregt?- Who asked you?" I asked how old you were- I didn't ask for your life story…What is this seemingly TMI that Yaakov feels the need to share.

 

The answer the Shaagas Aryeh explained, in this first sermon, was that Pharaoh saw that when Yaakov came to Egypt, the famine that had been devastating the land  for two years stopped. The country was being filled with blessing. Pharaoh wasn't making small talk with Yaakov. He was asking out of self-interest. You seem pretty old Yaakov, how long can we "bank" –literally- on you being here with us? To that, Yaakov answered that Pharaoh has nothing to fear. He hasn't even reached his father's age yet. He just looks old because of all that he's been through; the running, the losses, the challenges, the battles, the fights. That is what has aged him. But now that he's been reunited with his family. Now that they are all together for the first time in a long time. He has grandchildren, he has nachas, he has the peace and serenity that he sought for so long and never achieved. Now he can finally truly live. Don't worry Pharaoh, I've got plenty of juice left in me. You can count onme being here and bringing blessing to Egypt for many more years to come. And in fact he does. 17 more years- gematria tov-good Yaakov lives in Egypt.

 

Thus Reb Aryeh, turned to his congregation and told them that they as well had no need to fear. He was just getting started. He may seem old, but that was only because of his challenges and wanderings. But he plans to be with them for a long time. And in fact Reb Aryeh lived and served the community of Metz until the ripe old age of 90 and was active until the end.

 

Interesting aside is that the story/legend of his death is that a book shelf of sefarim that he was studying from fell upon him and he was terribly injured. Not long afterwards he told his students on his deathbed that all of the sefarim with which he differed and overruled fell upon him that night. As he lay there, he said, he was able to make peace with all of the various authors, except for that stubborn man, Reb Mordechai Yoffee, the author of the Levush. He refused to forgive him and it was then that he knew that he would be soon be departing this world. He ruefully paraphrased the verse Aryeh sho'eg- the lion roars M'I' lo yira- who shall not fear. The M'I' being an acronym for Mordechai Yoffee. And thus he passed.

 

Do you know that people tell you that age is just a number? It's not true. Age is the amount of time one has spent on this earth. It brings with it experiences, failures, achievements, relationships and hopefully some knowledge, personal growth and once in a while even some maturity. As one ages one has more and more that he or she can share with the world. In the younger years that sharing and influence may be more in the physical realm. We're stronger, more virile, we can create, we can build and we use our energy and vitality to make and change things that need to be done in the world. The years of our 20's, 30's and 40's the Mishna in Avot tells us are to pursue, to use our strength and to integrate them all into the world. The 50's, the Mishna tells us are for eitza- they are for counsel, the 60's are zikna which our sages tell us are to share the wisdom one has acquired and the 70's are for seiva- to share that sense of satisfaction and serenity one has achieved. The later years are about inspiring and influencing the world and making it a better place on an intellectual and more spiritual plane. It's not so much about the running and doing anymore. It's about giving back to the world the blessings you have received.

 

When I first read this parsha 37 years ago by my Bar Mitzva. It was so exciting. It was Yosef and his brothers, it was reunion, it was drama, it was emotional. I was looking at it through the eyes of Yosef and Yehudah, through the eyes of the brothers. I was looking at it through the eyes of the grandchildren Ephraim and Menashe. 37 years later, it is the figure and role of Yaakov that most catch my interest and inspiration. I think about his life, his wanderings, his challenges and all he has done and that conversation he has with Pharaoh where he states that he still is a spring chicken. He still has much that he will accomplish. He still has blessing that he will bring.

 

In fact, immediately, from that conversation with Pharaoh and onward blessing is pretty much all that Yaakov does. He blesses Pharaoh that the Nile should rise up when he approaches him. He blesses his grandchildren Ephraim and Menashe, he blesses Yosef and then he blesses all of the 12 tribes. Yaakov has finally surmounted the last of his challenges and much like the Shaagas Aryeh the rest of his life is dedicated with sharing his wisdom, his knowledge and his blessings with his children and all of the world.

 

I'm not 130 years old yet, like Yaakov, I'm not even 70 like the Shaagas Aryeh. I'm still a kid, a 50-year-old spring chicken compared to them. But it is my hope and prayer to Hashem that I can spend the next 70 years at least sharing some more of my blessings with all of you. May Hashem bless me and all of you that we all continue to age so gracefully, and timelessly and may we merit to shine Hashem's light to the entire world.

 

Have a fresh and exciting Shabbos,

Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz

 ***************************************************

***************

 RABBI SCHWARTZ’S FAVORITE YIDDISH PROVERB OF THE WEEK

" Az me vil nit alt verren, zol men zikh yungerhait oifhengen." If you want to avoid old age, hang yourself in youth.

RABBI SCHWARTZ'S TOUR GUIDE EXAM QUESTION OF THE WEEK

answer below at end of Email

9) The Keshet Cave is closest to:

A) Shavei Zion

B) Matat

C) Hanita

D) Yiftah

 

RABBI SCHWARTZ’S COOL VIDEO  OF THE WEEK

https://youtu.be/96uB39JPbqA   – Super Chaisidic Star Avraham with Israeli secular popstar collaborate for this beautiful song Betzoret

https://youtu.be/bFByvvn-Pt8   –  Uziya Tzadok it's incredible to have watched this incredible angelic voice grow-up. What a beautiful new song and great footage K'nes B'Lev

 

https://youtu.be/fOjGGECf54Q  -Joey Newcombs latest video lots of fun with Benny Freedman Mi K'amcha Yisrael

 

https://youtu.be/2n3jPcms_Ys  - Reb Baruch Chait and students of Maarava in a great new song and composition of his V'Sein Sachar Tov- sure to be a "Chait classic"

 

RABBI SCHWARTZ'S PARSHA/ ERETZ YISRAEL CONNECTION OF THE WEEK

 

Benjamin's Land- Parshat Vayigash– One of the most amazing things to do with tourists in Israel wherever we go is to talk about the portion of which tribe they are in. It's particularly fun when someone in the car has the name of the tribe we are driving through. There is a connection there all of a sudden. Wow, I'm in the portion of Asher and that's my name. It becomes theirs. And that's the point of the trip in the first place.

 

Perhaps one of the more complicated tribes though is Binyamin. He doesn't get that big of a portion. In fact, he's kind of sandwiched in between the large portion of Yehuda and Ephraim. Yet the Talmud tells us that there was a strip of land that came out of Binyamin and went all the way up to the Temple Mount, in Jerusalem, in the portion of Yehuda and as well there was a little strip of land that went North of Binyamin all the way into the portion of the tribe of Ephraim to the city of Shiloh where the Mishkan was. The reason for this the Talmud tells us is that the Shechina- Heavenly presence, will always rest in the portion of Binyamin. It is the blessing of Yaakov Chofef aluv kol hayom- it hovers over it all day.

 

What is fascinating the Mei Merom notes is that this week's parsha where Yosef and Yehuda are so to speak going to fight over Binyamin on a deeper level is connected to that idea. He explains that the reason why the shechina always needs to be over and connected to Binyamin is because unlike all the other tribes Binyamin is born in Israel. He has the holiness that only a sabra can have. One that was born out of Israel was born with a mission to raise up the sparks from the nations where he lives and bring them home to Eretz Yisrael. One who was born in Israel represents the inherent kedusha of Eretz Yisrael that is meant to shine out to the rest of the world. In fact he suggests that is the symbolism in the goblet that Yosef hides in Binyamins satchel. For the difference between a goblet and a cup is that a goblet has a base that can stand on its own, whereas a cup needs to be held, it needs to be supported externally. Yosef, whose job it is to lift those sparks from Egypt and ultimately bring them back to Eretz Yisrael understands that the time is not yet ripe for the light of Binyamin to return to Eretz Yisrael. It is the role of Mashiach ben Yosef to first come and set up the physical framework of Eretz Yisrael. That light will draw the nations here after we have brought all their sparks of holiness here. It is the role of the Mishkan that is the temporary dwelling that first rests in Israel where sacrifices can be brought from anyone that can see the Mishkan. Binyamin will have a role in that first. The first king of Israel will be from his tribe; Shaul Ha'Melech who will be anointed in that Mishkan. Yosef wants Binyamin first.

 

Yehuda, on the other hand represents the final redemption. He wants it to come already. He has already produced the great great grandfather of King David and ultimately Mashiach his little twin Peretz from his daughter in law Tamar. He feels that light already shining out and he wants Binyamin to join him to build that final temple in both of their portions. To skip over the process of Yosef. To forget about the sparks that have to be uplifted. It's what he is ready to battle for. It's the incredible crux and underpinnings of the dialogue between the two in the parsha.

 

It is an incredible thing to think about it. This parsha is the first time that Israel is Judenrein since the tribes of Israel were born. Yaakov comes down as well. The land has begun longing for her children. And in the discussion at the same time, the two tribes Yehuda and Yosef are already planning our return. Yosef cries on Binyamin's shoulders and Binyamin on Yosef's they are crying about the long exiles that we are still in today. It is the fire and fuel that has kept us for so long a nation no matter where we have been exiled. And it is that fire that will return us all soon to that portion of Binyamin once again with the Temple rebuilt.

 

RABBI SCHWARTZ'S ERA’S AND THEIR PLACES AND PEOPLE IN ISRAEL OF THE WEEK

 

Yoav and Avner Faceoff I- 876 BC-  During the life of Dovid there was never any out and out civil war between the tribes. Yet, with the crowning of Dovid in Chevron by the tribe of Yehudah and at the same time Avner appointing Ish Boshet, the son of Shaul as the King of the rest of Israel things were bound to come to a head. After the first two years more and more tribes joining Dovid, Avner decided it was time to do something. So Avner took his men and headed over to Givon. At the same time Yoav Ben Tzruya, Dovid's general and nephew, came with Dovid's men there as well. It was time to faceoff.

 

Personally I like to tell this story by Nebi Samuel. There's a nice ancient pool there and although this is not the pool where the following story takes place. It's close enough and hey, it's a pool! Biblical Givon though is in fact located just north of here Palestinian village under Area B on the other side of separation fence. In the 1950’s there were wine vessels that actually dated back to the time of Yehoshua that said Givon on it. As well the arab name Al- Jib is reminiscent of the city name. And in fact the ancient pool is still there. Today there is  jewish yishuv called Givon Hachadasha next to the Kfar.

 

So Avner makes the suggestion by this pool, that rather than going to war, why don't they have a faceoff between 12 men from each team who would fight against one another. The commentaries suggest that perhaps these were soldiers who he felt weren't that great in battle and he wanted to weed them out of his army. Yoav agreed to the plan, but it seems that it went south. The soldiers faced off each one with a sword against the other head-to-head. At the sound of the bell, they each lunged at one another and they killed each other. Boom. At that mayhem broke loose and Yoav's men attacked Avner's and trounced them.

 

Avner and his men fled and Yoav's brother Ashael, who was known for his speed set up the chase. When he finally caught up with Avner, Avner tried to talk him down, to try to get him to back-off. He knew that if he killed Ashael Yoav would never forgive him. But Ashael wouldn't let up. He continued to head towards Avner who hit him with the back of the spear. But it didn't help. Ashael died. Yoav was going to be mad. Avner and his men flee. What happen's next? Stay tuned next week.

 

RABBI SCHWARTZ’S REALLY TERRIBLE BAGEL JOKES  OF THE WEEK

 

Not long after attending her grandson Paul’s 12th birthday party, Rebecca has a heart attack. Whilst in hospital, she starts to plead with her cardiologist. "Oy, doctor David," she says, "you’ve just got to keep me alive for the next 12 months so that I can attend my bubbeleh grandson Paul’s barmitzvah. He’s my first grandchild." 
"I’ll do my utmost to get you there, Rebecca," says doctor David. 
"Thank you doctor," says Rebecca. And 12 months later, Rebecca does indeed attend Paul’s barmitzvah. 
Ten years later, whilst Rebecca is seeing doctor David for a check-up, she says, "I have another request, doctor." 
"And what do you need me to do this time, Rebecca?" he asks. 
"In a year’s time, please God, my grand-daughter Suzy is marrying a lovely, lovely, man, a real mensh, and I desperately want to attend their wedding. So please, doctor, please ensure that I stay alive long enough to attend their wedding." 
"I’ll do my utmost to get you there, Rebecca," says doctor David. 
"Thank you doctor," says Rebecca. And 12 months later, Rebecca does indeed attend Suzy’s wedding. 
Over the next twenty years, Rebecca regularly visits doctor David for check-ups, and she always religiously follows his advice. Then one day, she suddenly phones doctor David. "Hello doctor," she says. "It’s Rebecca here." 
"Are you OK Rebecca?" asks doctor David, sounding worried. "Is anything the matter?" 
"Nothing’s the matter doctor," replies Rebecca, "I think everything is OK and I'm feeling fine. But I’m calling because I have another request to make. Do you remember when you enabled me to attend my grandson’s barmitzvah?" 
"Yes Rebecca, I do," he replies. 
"And do you remember when you enabled me to attend my grand-daughter’s wedding?" 
"Yes Rebecca, I do," he replies. 
"And are you aware that I've just celebrated my 80th birthday?" asks Rebecca. 
"Yes Rebecca, I know," he replies. 
"Well, I’m ringing you because I’ve just taken delivery of a new mattress," says Rebecca. 
"Mazeltov," says doctor David, "but why are you phoning me about your mattress?" 
"Because," replies Rebecca, "the mattress came with a 20 year guarantee!"

 

Old Moishe Applebaum goes to his doctor complaining of aches and pains all over his body. After a thorough examination, the doctor gives him a clean bill of health.

"Moishe, you're in excellent shape for an 85 year old man. But I'm not a magician – I can't make you any younger," says the doctor.

"Who asked you to make me younger?" says Moishe. "You just make sure I get older!"

 

The Jewish Chronicle had heard that Benjy was coming up to his 108th birthday so they sent one of their reporters to interview him. 
"How do you account for your longevity?" asked the reporter. 
"You could say that I am a health nut," Benjy answered. "I have never smoked or drunk alcohol, I am always in bed by ten o'clock, I’ve been going to Israeli dance classes since I was a teenager and I've always walked three miles a day, even in rain or snow." 
"But," said the reporter, "my uncle Shlomo followed exactly the same routine and he died when he was 70. So how come it didn't work for him?" 
"All I can say," replied Benjy, "is that he didn't keep it up long enough." 

 

Avrahom walks into a department store and goes straight to the perfumery department.  He says to an assistant, "Today is my wife Sharon’s birthday and I would like to buy her a nice bottle of French perfume. 
The assistant says, "That will be a nice surprise for her." 
Avrahom replies, "It sure will – she’s expecting a diamond necklace." 

 

At his 103rd birthday party, the Rubenstein family gathered around Zadie Hymie for cake and words of wisdom.

“So Zadie,” asked little Stevie inappropriately, “Are you going to be around for your 104th Birthday party”?

"I certainly will," Zadie replied.

“How can you be so sure?” Stevie asked.

“Well,” Zadie replied, “Statistics show that very few people die between the ages of 103 and 104."

 

Herman Cohen was horrible with birthdays and anniversaries. He couldn’t remember them for the life of him so he decided to compile a list so that every time he turned on his computer the dates would be highlighted on screen. Even this didn’t work well enough so Herman went to a computer store to find a software program that would do the job.

He approached one of the sales clerks who looked more senior. "Can you recommend something that will remind me of birthdays and anniversaries?" Herman asked.

"Have you tried a wife?" he replied.

*********************************

Answer is C –  Hey got it right! Actually Chanita was the only one of these settlements or kibbutzim that I think I visited in our tour guide course. Not that there's anything major to see there but it was one of the first choma and migdal-tower and stockades settlements founded in one night in 1938 in order to create facts on the ground insuring it would be part of Israel and it's right next to the Keshet cave. Shavei Tzion I pass near Nahariya on way up to Rosh Hanikra. Yiftach is on other side of the North not that I would know, never been there or heard of it. Finally Matat is not far from Meron and Tzfat, and I learned something interesting. It's called Matat because it’s the gematria of 840 which is how many meters above sea level it is. That's pretty cool and a nice tidbit for me to share when I tour the area if anyone ever comes here anymore…. So the score now stands at 7 for Rabbi Schwartz and 2 for the Ministry of Tourism on this exam.