Insights and Inspiration
from the
Holy Land
from
Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz
"Your friend
in Karmiel"
December 25th 2020 -Volume 11
Issue 11 10th 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 18th 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
***************
" 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.
