|
Dvar Torah
|
|
After the brothers informed Yaakov that Yosef was still alive, the pasuk says, “..vatechi ruach Yaakov Avihem,” that the spirit of Yaakov was revived (45:27). Regarding those words, Rashi informs us, “Sharsa alav Shechina shepirsha mimeno”, that Yaakov regained Ruach Hakodesh, which had previously left him. Yaakov had originally lost his Ruach Hakodesh when the brothers brought to him Yosef’s tunic, which had been stained with the blood of a goat. A few pesukim later, the Torah says, “Vayevk Oto Aviv”, that Yitzchak cried for the loss of Yosef (37:35). Rashi comments that Yitzchak cried, but did not actually mourn, for he knew that Yosef was still alive.
The Medrash Raba states that Yitzchak did not reveal to Yaakov the whereabouts of Yosef, because he felt that if Hakadosh Baruch Hu wanted Yaakov to know where Yosef was, He would have told it to Yaakov Himself. If that is true, we have another question- why did Hashem Himself not reveal Yosef’s location to Yaakov? We can answer this question by looking at the Medrash Tanchuma, which states that the brothers forbade anyone to tell of Yosef’s whereabouts, and would place a Charem on anyone that would do so. Apparently, even Hakadosh Baruch Hu fell under this prohibition.
Every day we say in our davening, “Magid devarav l’Yaakov”, which means that Hashem did in fact converse with Yaakov regularly. Apparently, Hashem followed this Charem instead of His usual policy of talking with Yaakov. The Telzer Rav Rebbi Yosef Yehuda Leib Bloch Zt”l asks a simple question on this. Why did Hakadosh Baruch Hu heed this Charem? Must He follow human whims?
Rabbi Bloch relates that as a youth he heard in the name of the Gra (through a reliable source) that when a ganav is gonev bmachteret (he digs a tunnel under a house to rob it), if he has bitachon in Hashem, he will be successful in his stealing. Why is this so? He answers that Hakadosh Baruch Hu incorporated into the Tevah (nature) of the world the ability for Kochos Hatfilah to be effective. He applies this concept to the Charem of the nine brothers. Their hope, that the location of Yosef would not be revealed, was fulfilled through Tevah. In general, Hakadosh Baruch Hu does not want to defy the laws of Tevah, so He also followed the Charem established by the brothers.
I would like to add one more point. I think the shevatim also created something new with their request. They created a Hester Panim on Yaakov, the concept of Hashem dealing with someone in a subtle, as opposed to explicit, manner. We see that they caused even Yaakov to lose his Ruach HaKodesh. Avraham Avinu was told that we would be in Galus for 400 years before being able to go to Eretz Yisrael (this was Galus Mitzrayim). Hester Panim was not mentioned. In theory, galus does not have to mean we cannot interact with Hashem on a very clear level. Yet the galus we are in now, Galus Bavel, does include Hester Panim for all of us, making it much more difficult that a plain galus.
Let us be mispallel that just as Yaakov received a tremendous spiritual uplifting when he heard that Yosef was alive (“vatechi ruach Yaakov”), so too we should be able to interact with Hashem on a strong spiritual level, which will herald the coming of Masahiach Tzidkeinu, Bimheira B’yameinu. |
| | |
|
Rambam Blood Drive |
|
 |
|
This past Tuesday, Rambam held its second blood drive of the year. As always it was a great turnout and collected over 40 pints of blood. In fact there was such an amazing turnout, that not everyone that signed up had a chance to give. Not to worry though, those students will be given their chance to donate within the next week, so stay posted for more information on that. We’d like to give a big thanks to all students, alumni, parents and aunts for coming down to help us save lives, your contribution is greatly appreciated and we hope to see you all there next time!
|
|
 |
| |
|
YU Interviews
|
|
Last week, representatives from Yeshiva University came down to Rambam to interview the students who were considering attending the university. Some students were nervous going into their interviews because this was their first college interview and didn’t know what to expect. But, the seniors were given some helpful hints in order to improve their chances of having successful interviews. Now, after what the students believe were successful interviews, the students must wait to hear what Yeshiva University thinks of them and see if they will be accepted. Knowing Rambam’s reputation, everyone will be fine. |
| | |
|
Club (Torah Bowl) |
|
 |
|
This Monday, the Rambam Torah Bowl team went to DRS to test out their knowledge on Sefer Bereishis. As expected our team did very well and showed that we have a great amount of potential that can lead us to the championship match. We beat HANC, DRS, and HAFTR and almost beat Mesifta Ateres Yaakov and NSHA. With the help of new players recently drafted, our team we will be will be able to learn more Torah Lishma; because at the end of the day wining is great, but the Torah Lishma is what stays with us for eternity.
| | |
|
Rambam Debates at Beth Shalom |
|
 |
|
On Wednesday, Rambam sent four pairs of debaters led by Mr. Schildkraut to Beth Shalom for the annual HAFTR debate. The topic of debate was whether or not there should be a fixed term for Supreme Court Justices. The heated debates went on for over two hours, with eloquent speeches and intense cross-examinations. Novice debaters also got to hone their skills against other novice debate members, and will now move on to more competitive debates. It was a special and educational experience. Yashar Koach to the team for fighting hard all the way through!
| | |
|
Chanukah Lunch at Rabbi Haar’s House
|
|
Last Thursday, the seniors in the 12A shiur enjoyed a sumptuous Rosh Chodesh/Chanukah lunch at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Haar. The menu included a selection of three soups, choice of lasagnas, and was topped off by Mrs. Haar’s renowned home-made chip witch dessert. The celebration was enhanced by extensive Ruach and singing, starring the Rambam a cappella group, as well as a D’var Torah by Rabbi Haar, who mentioned how overwhelmed he was by the expressions of appreciation and thanks from the entire class! |
| | |
|
Varsity Hockey |
|
 |
On Monday Night, the Rambam Ravens Varsity hockey team battled Westchester Day School. If you can describe the game in one word it would be “blowout”, an 8-0 blowout. The Ravens didn’t give them room to breath while scoring goal after goal. It was a great overall effort by the whole team and especially all of our goalies who helped maintain the shutout. Congrats to the whole team! Make sure everyone comes to the home game vs. Flatbush next Wednesday 12/30.
LET’S GO RAVENS!!
| | |
|
Varsity Basketball |
|
 |
On Tuesday night, the Ravens hosted Westchester fort their 8th game of the season. The Ravens came into the game hoping to improve their record to 4-4. The Ravens started the game off very well, making it seem as if this game would be put away early. But throughout the game, every time the ravens managed to pull away, Westchester somehow managed to fight their way back. The game went back and forth like this until the forth quarter when the Ravens finally took control of the game and never looked back. The Ravens were led by leading scorers Alex Olenick and Gabi Guterson who scored 29 and 21 respectively. The Ravens are looking forward to the next game on Tuesday, December 29 vs. HAFTR and hope to see you all there to cheer them on.
LET’S GO RAVENS!!
| | |
|
Upcoming Events
|
Tuesday, December 29th - JV & V BBL vs. HAFTR - 7:00 & 8:30 PM
Wednesday, December 30th - JV & V Hockey vs. Flatbush - 7:30 & 9:00 PM
Friday, January 1st – Father and Son Learn-a-thon and Special Guest Speaker
Don’t forget this Sunday, December 27th is Asara B'Tevet.
The fast begins at 6:06 AM and ends at 5:21 PM |
| | |
|
This Week in Jewish History
|
Torah translated into Greek (246 BCE)
In a second attempt to translate the Torah into Greek (after an unsuccessful attempt 61 years earlier), the ruling Greek-Egyptian emperor Ptolemy gathered 72 Torah sages, had them sequestered in 72 separate rooms, and ordered them to each produce a translation. On the 8th of Tevet of the year 3515 from creation (246 BCE) they produced 72 corresponding translations, including identical changes in 13 places (where they each felt that a literal translation would constitute a corruption of the Torah's true meaning). This Greek rendition became known as the Septuagint, "of the seventy" (though later versions that carry this name are not believed to be true to the originals). Greek became a significant second language among Jews as a result of this translation. During Talmudic times, Tevet 8 was observed by some as a fast day, expressing the fear of the detrimental effect of the translation.
Chabad Calendar |
| | |
|
