Parsha Shemos 5773: The Evolution of Jewish Enslavement, and Bringing Redemption — Then (in Mitzrayim), and Now?

by Moshe Burt

To sufficiently comprehend the evolution of the enslavement of B’nai Yisrael in Mitzrayim, it would seem that one needs to comprehend the closed nature of the two preceding Parshiyot; the concluding posuk of Vayigash (Sefer Breish’t, Perek 47, posuk 27);

And Yisrael dwelt in the land of Mitzriyim in the land of Goshen, and they acquired property in it and… multiplied greatly

And the first posuk of Vayechi ((Sefer Breish’t, Perek 47, posuk 28);

And Yaakov lived in the land of Mitzrayim for seventeen years… read more

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Parshat Vayechi 5773: “Yaakov is Alive” for “His Descendents are Alive”

by Moshe Burt

We hear it again and again, at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, from Fathers or Uncles or Grandfathers about how the young person carries the name, and indeed the midos and attributes of the one for which they are named. We hear how this young person carries the same attributes of Chessed, of dedication to Mitzvot, to Torah, to his fellow Jews as the Tzaddik/Tzadekket whose name he or she carries. And we learn that a Tzaddik, upon his earthly demise, lives on through the midot and kindnesses of descendents. It would seem that this recognition of inherited midos has its roots with Yaakov Aveinu. read more

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Parsha Vayigash 5773: Yosef, the Brothers and Distinguishing Real Teshuvah From Mere Words, Spoken or Textual

by Moshe Burt

Every so often, over the past 7 1/2 years since the expulsion of our brethren from their homes and neighborhoods in Gush Katif and the 4 Shomron towns, we read a piece on one of the news sites or receive an email voicing regret from those who either supported the expulsion or who sat on their hands and did nothing and who now would beg forgiveness from their evicted brethren in the hope of bringing peace to within Am Yisrael.

Such a paradigm piece was an Israel National News report a few years ago about how former IDF Chief Rabbi Yisrael Weiss expressed regret at having supported the expulsion, or as they call it the “disengagement.” read more

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Parshat Mikeitz/Shabbos Chanukah 5773: Behind Yosef’s Marraige, and Hashem’s Miracle Cure for Modern Hellenism?

by Moshe Burt

In last week’s Parshat Vayeishev, this author wrote about Yosef’s being thrown in a bor (pit) seething with snakes and scorpions — and the miracle of his emerging unscathed. This suthor ventured that there seven subsequent miracles that played a role in his life and in his becoming Viceroy, including who he was sold to and what was carried in their caravan, his ensuing journey to Mitzrayim and conditions of his slavery, his imprisonment on false charges and his liberation and ascendency to the position of Viceroy, second only to Pharoh. read more

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