Parashat Vayeshev 5769
Vayeshev December 18, 2008 What can we say about Yosef other than his being simply “successful” in all realms. He is talented, beautiful, and distinguished looking. He finds favor in everyone’s eyes, is a man of understanding who knows just about everything. He is a dream interpreter and mind reader, a genius on economics and a fair ruler. His personality demonstrates balance and he is above all a paragon in standing up to temptation. This is obviously why he is called the “Tzaddik”. He is not sitting with angels in the upper worlds but fixes this world, better known today as “tikkun olam”. In the sphere of his brothers, his hierarchy was so apparent, it caused problems. He became the giver, they- the receivers. All of his dreams come to fruition. It is not by chance that we read in this parsha about Yehudah taking a wife under strange circumstances. Mashiach ben Yosef is a prerequisite to Mashiach ben David, the great great grandson of Yehudah and Tamar. Yosef comes up from Chevron to seek his brothers; David receives kingship there. In Kabbalah, the last 2 spheres – Yesod (Yosef) and Malchut ( David ) sit directly one on top of another. They are inseparable. Bounty and Blessing come down to the world through this “pipeline” to a final and permanent location. When all the physical foundations have been perfected by the power of the tzaddik, the King (Mashiach) will then proceed to reveal G-dliness in a permanent location. King David was the brainchild of a permanent House of G-d. (for more information see Samuel 2 24:24 and Rashi). Yechezkel 37 best describes the inseparable match between Yesod and Malchut.- “Thus says the Lord G-d, Behold I will take the stick of Yosef which is in the hand of Ephraim and will put it together with the stick of Yehudah to form one stick and they shall be one in my hand.” Dear Readers, For all the people discouraged by whatever current events that get you down and out- I always found the rest of the passuk very encouraging! – “and I will take the children of Yisarel from among the nations into which they have gone and will gather them from every side and bring them into their own Land and I will make them one nation upon the mountains of Israel (where do you think the mountains of the prophet are exactly?- maybe you should send a letter to Clinton, Carter, Bush, Baker and even the candlestick maker) and one King shall be over them all! Shabbat Shalom Leah Goldsmith
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