Vayigash
ויגשThe Reunion
92 translated essays · 92 total
תרל"א(1870)
Approaching God Through Surrender· Essay 1
“And Judah approached him.” This is read as an expression of coming close through acknowledgment, hinting at the inner spiritual movement of Judah. It is from the root meaning “to thank,” and this quality belongs to every Jew. Judah represe…
Hidden Holiness Revealed· Essay 2
“In the Midrash: ‘Woe to us from the Day of Judgment,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet begins by invoking the Midrashic image of awe and dread before ultimate revelation and judgment. “The brothers’ terror seems to have come from the revelation of Jos…
Spiritual Attachment to God· Essay 3
“My great‑grandfather, my teacher and master of blessed memory, related in the name of the Maharal that Jacob did not kiss him because he was reciting the Shema.” The Sefat Emet reports a teaching that Jacob refrained from kissing Joseph be…
Sanctifying the Sabbath’s Inner Essence· Essay 4
“Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.” The Sefat Emet begins by grounding his teaching in the foundational command that Shabbat requires active remembrance and sanctification. In the Gemara: “A fine portion should be reserved in honor o…
Unity Through Joseph’s Connection· Essay 5
“And his heart failed, etc.” The Sefat Emet explains that Jacob was overwhelmed and unable to take in the message at first, as his inner capacity to receive such news had not yet awakened. “And he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent, etc.” …
Vayigash תרל"א
ויגש אליו יהודה. מלשון הודאה והוא כל איש ישראל. שמעתי מאא”ז מו”ר זצלה”ה שנקראו יהודים על שם שמודין להשי”ת על כל דבר קטן וגדול שיודעין שהכל ממנו ית’ כו’. ועי”ז יכולין ליגש. וזה עצה בכל שעה צר והסתרת …
תרל"א 1 Vayigash
ויגש אליו יהודה. Yehuda approached Yosef מלשון הודאה והוא כל איש ישראל. The name Yehuda is connected to the word ‘Hoda’a’ giving thanks. This is also the name given to all Jews ‘Yehudim’. שמעתי מאא”ז מו”ר זצלה”ה שנקראו יהו…
תרל"ב(1871)
Inner Light Revealed Through Surrender· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: My son… you have guaranteed… you struck your hands for a stranger… accept His mastery…” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Midrashic chain of phrases that frames Judah’s plea as an act of spiritual responsibility and accept…
Spiritual Descent and Ascent· Essay 2
“In the name of my grandfather and teacher, of blessed memory.” The Sefat Emet introduces the teaching as something he received from his revered ancestor. “On what our Sages said: ‘He was fit to descend in chains,’ etc. And why would our fa…
Inner Divine Life‑Force· Essay 3
“In the Midrash: ‘I shall descend with you…’—a promise for all generations, on condition that ‘Joseph shall place his hand…’” The Sefat Emet explains that God’s assurance of descent and ascent applies eternally, but its realization comes th…
Vayigash תרל"ב
במדרש בני כו’ ערבת כו’ תקעת לזר כפיך כו’ קבל אדנותו כו’. In the Medrash (see above תרל”א Bereishis Rabba 93) on the verse in Mishlei (בְּ֭נִי אִם־עָרַ֣בְתָּ לְרֵעֶ֑ךָ תָּקַ֖עְתָּ לַזָּ֣ר כַּפֶּֽיךָ׃ My son, if …
תרל"ד(1873)
Inner Point of Truth· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘If you have become a guarantor…’” This introduces the Midrashic teaching that serves as the basis for the Sefat Emet’s explanation. “I have already written, and may it be strengthened with Heaven’s help, regarding what is …
Unity of Forces Toward God· Essay 2
“In the Midrash: ‘I shall go down with you… so that Joseph will place his hand upon your eyes.’” The verse is interpreted as teaching that God accompanies a person in descent, with Joseph symbolizing the force that gathers and focuses all i…
Hidden Holiness and Self‑Restraint· Essay 3
“Jacob recited the Shema.” The Sefat Emet notes that Jacob, upon encountering Joseph, expressed his spiritual essence openly through the recitation of the Shema. “The words of the Maharal on this matter are well known.” He alludes to the Ma…
Vayigash תרל"ד
1 במדרש אם ערבת כו’. כתבתי כבר ונתוסף בעזהש”י עמ”ש במדרש מים עמוקים עצה כו’ ואיש תבונה ידלנה כו’. In the abovementioned Medrash (Bereishit Rabba 93:1) we can connect it to the Medrash (ibid 93:4) on the pasuk (…
תרל"ה(1874)
Divine Unity and Shabbat Light· Essay 1
“In the song of the Arizal: ‘I will sing praises to enter within the gates of the Orchard of Apples.’” The Sefat Emet opens with the Arizal’s phrase, noting that the entry is described as being ‘within the gates’ of the sacred orchard, hint…
Descent Without Spiritual Decline· Essay 2
“In the name of my grandfather, of blessed memory: Jacob was fit to descend to Egypt in chains.” The Sefat Emet cites the teaching that, by strict judgment, Jacob ought to have descended to Egypt through constriction and suffering, symboliz…
Unity Through Joseph and the Tribes· Essay 3
“In the Midrash: kings contend, etc., ‘What concern is it of ours,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, which frames the conflict among the brothers as a dispute among kings, each asserting his own path. “It seems that becaus…
Divine Dominion and Submission· Essay 4
“And Joseph harnessed his chariot…” The Sefat Emet opens by stressing that Joseph’s act of harnessing the chariot hints at a spiritual dynamic in which what is subordinate becomes a vehicle for what is above it. For everything that is benea…
Vayigash תרל"ה
בזמר האר”י ז”ל אזמר בשבחין למיעל גו פתחין דבחקל תפוחין. The song of the Arizal (traditionally said on Friday night before kidush) “I will sing your praise to go into the opening of the apple orchard (the orchard is a kabalistic …
תרל"ו(1875)
Transforming Sin to Merit· Essay 1
“And Judah approached him.” The Sefat Emet reads Judah’s approach as a model for how a person draws near to the Divine essence within. In the Midrash: “My son, if you have become a guarantor…” The Midrash frames Judah’s act as one of spirit…
Spiritual Growth Through Trials· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘And his brothers could not… for they were startled… I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt.’” The Sefat Emet begins by noting that Joseph’s declaration seems to intensify the brothers’ shame by reminding them of t…
Shabbat Awakens Redemption· Essay 3
“In the Shabbat hymn ‘Blessed is the Lord day by day…,’ it says: ‘In the Babylonian exile He sends…’” The Sefat Emet begins by noting a Shabbat hymn that describes God’s ongoing support even in exile, establishing the theme of divine accomp…
Vayigash תרל"ו
ויגש אליו יהודה. “And Yehuda approached him…” במדרש בני אם ערבת כו’ רש”י פי’ ערבת לרעך זה הקב”ה כו’ כענין שכ’ משביעין אותו תהי צדיק. the Medrash (Rabba 93:2) “If you provided surety for your friend”…
תרל"ז(1876)
Surrender to Divine Truth· Essay 1
“In the verse: ‘And Joseph could not restrain himself…’” The Sefat Emet begins by focusing on the phrase that opens the dramatic revelation of Joseph. As it is written: “And Judah approached him,” meaning he approached Joseph. This is the s…
Sanctifying Physical Desire· Essay 2
“It is known what the Maharal, of blessed memory, says in Gur Aryeh on the statement of our Sages that Jacob did not kiss him because he was reciting the Shema.” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Maharal’s explanation that Jacob restrained…
Repentance Through Suffering· Essay 3
“And now, do not be distressed…” Joseph reassures his brothers, indicating that the unfolding events should not cause them further anguish. “And now” is a term of repentance, for the tribes rectified their sin through the suffering they exp…
Exile Sustained by Redemption· Essay 4
“In the Midrash: ‘I will go down with you… I will also bring you up… and on condition that Joseph will place his hand…’” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, which links God’s promise of descent and ascent with Joseph’s role. “The s…
Vayigash תרל"ז
בפסוק ולא יכול יוסף להתאפק כו’. On the pasuk “And Yosef could no longer hold back etc.” (Bereishit 45:1) דכתיב ויגש אליו יהודה פי’ אליו ליוסף. גם אל עצמותו פי’ לעצמו. גם פי’ אליו להקב”ה. As it says just before …
תרל"ח(1877)
Spiritual Responsibility and Truth· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “My son, if you have become surety… flee from three…” The Sefat Emet begins with the Midrash teaching caution against taking responsibility for others in matters beyond one’s capacity. The explanation: one should not take gu…
Hidden Divine Insight Through Effort· Essay 2
“And in the Midrash: ‘Deep waters are counsel in the heart of a man… but one of understanding will draw it out.’” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the verse that teaches that within every person lies deep, hidden counsel, which requires effo…
Spiritual Mastery Through Trials· Essay 3
“In the verse: ‘And Joseph harnessed his chariot,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet opens by noting the significance of Joseph personally readying his chariot, hinting to a spiritual posture of mastery and preparation. “For the human being was created …
Vayigash תרל"ח
במדרש בני אם ערבת כו’ ברח מן שלש כו’. Medrash (Bereishit Rabba 93:1) My son if you provide surety etc, run away from three things…from providing surety for another. פי’ שאין לקבל ערבות על של אחרים כי הלואי שיתקן המוט…
תרל"ט(1878)
Unity of Judah and Joseph· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “My son, if you have guaranteed… do this… at the dust of his feet.” The Sefat Emet explains that this refers to an act performed with humility, symbolized by dust. This is the Kingdom of Heaven. True humility is the gateway …
Divine Assistance in Trials· Essay 2
“And this is the matter regarding what is written about Joseph, that he entered to do his work, but the image of his (father’s) likeness appeared to him…” The Sefat Emet introduces the famous teaching that Joseph was saved from sin because …
Sacrifice for Future Generations· Essay 3
“In the verse: ‘When he sees that the boy is gone, he will die,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet opens by questioning how Judah knew that Jacob would die upon not finding the boy. “And it is difficult: from where did Judah know that he would die upon …
Spiritual Garments and Transformation· Essay 4
“In the verse: ‘To all of them he gave each man changes of garments… and to Benjamin he gave… five changes of garments.’” The Sefat Emet begins by noting the Torah’s emphasis on the distribution of garments, especially the five given to Ben…
Vayigash תרל"ט
מדרש בני אם ערבת כו’ עשה זאת כו’ בעפר רגליו. (Mishlei 6:1-3) My son, if you have stood surety for your fellow, Given your hand for another, You have been trapped by the words of your mouth,Snared by the words of your mouth. Do t…
תר"מ(1879)
Inner Wisdom Revealed· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘Deep waters…’ and ‘a man of understanding…’” The Sefat Emet cites a Midrash that contrasts hidden depths with a discerning person capable of drawing them out. “It has already been written elsewhere that in the heart of a m…
Judah Confronts Joseph· Essay 2
The main explanation is that “he approached him” refers to Joseph, for at that moment the jealousy of the tribes toward Joseph had already departed. The Sefat Emet explains that Judah’s approach reflects a spiritual shift: the brothers were…
Divine Descent and Ascent· Essay 3
In the Midrash: “I will descend with you…” on condition that “Joseph shall place…”. The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash that links God’s promise to descend with Jacob to Joseph’s role in preparing the way. According to the words of …
Selfless Compassion Awakens Mercy· Essay 4
“In the verse: ‘How shall I go up… lest I see…’” The Sefat Emet opens by noting Judah’s words to Joseph, expressing fear of witnessing his father’s suffering. “And it is difficult, for it seems he spoke only because of the responsibility (a…
Revealing the True Tzaddik· Essay 5
“In the verse: ‘And you shall tell my father … all that you have seen.’” The Sefat Emet opens by noting that Joseph commands his brothers to recount everything they have seen, implying that their new perception is essential to the message i…
Vayigash תר"מ
במדרש מים עמוקים כו’ ואיש תבונה כו’. כבר כ’ במ”א כי בלב איש היא לבו של כל אדם מישראל. ובתיקון כל הקומה רמ”ח איברים וגידים שמכוונים לתרי”ג מצות אז מתקשר חבל בחבל ונימא בנימא עד שמתגלה הפנימיות שבו. ונקרא א…
תרמ"א(1880)
Unity of Written and Oral Torah· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘Deep waters are the counsel in a man’s heart,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Midrash on the verse, teaching that profound inner counsel reflects hidden spiritual depths within a person. This hints at the Torah, …
Joseph’s Tears and Exile Roots· Essay 2
The matter of the weeping of the righteous Joseph. The Sefat Emet introduces the topic of Yosef’s tears as a spiritual phenomenon requiring explanation. And our Sages interpreted it as referring to the destructions. The tears of Yosef are l…
Vayigash תרמ"א
במדרש מים עמוקים עצה בלב איש כו’. הרמז על תורה שנק’ מים. ותורה שבע”פ נק’ מים עמוקים. שנמצא שורש התורה בכל איש ישראל כמ”ש חיי עולם נטע בתוכנו. רק שצריכין לייגע למצוא הנקודה טמונה בלב כמ”ש אם תבקשנה כו̵…
תרמ"ב(1881)
Inner Torah Wellspring· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “Deep waters are counsel in the heart of a man,” a parable to a deep well whose waters are beautiful and cold. The Sefat Emet begins by explaining that the verse likens inner counsel to a deep well of pure waters. To teach t…
Spiritual Power of Responsibility· Essay 2
“In the Midrash: ‘If you have become surety for your fellow,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash that links Judah’s situation to the verse about becoming a guarantor for another. “As it is written: ‘For your servant became su…
Revealing Divine Speech· Essay 3
“In the verse: ‘Your eyes see... that it is my mouth that speaks...’” The Sefat Emet begins by focusing on Joseph’s assertion that the brothers can directly perceive that the speaking is truly his, hinting at a deeper spiritual identity rev…
Vayigash תרמ"ב
במדרש מים עמוקים עצה בלב איש משל לבאר עמוק ומימיה יפים וצוננים כו’. להודיע כי כל מה שהמים עמוק ביותר הם יפים ביותר. וכמו כן נקודת התורה שנק’ מים שנמצא בכל איש ישראל. כפי רוב היגיעה כך המציאה. כמ”ש מה רב טובך אשר צפנת. וכתי…
תרמ"ג(1882)
Spiritual Roles of Judah and Joseph· Essay 1
“Please, my lord.” Judah’s words introduce his plea, signaling humility yet also deeper spiritual meaning. It can be explained according to the Midrash: the one who plows is Judah, and the one who harvests is Joseph, for Joseph is on a high…
Divine Providence in Hardship· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘You sold me.’” The Sefat Emet begins by focusing on Joseph’s reference to the brothers’ act of selling him, emphasizing the spiritual perspective embedded in his words. “As our Sages said: ‘That you broke — may your strength…
Torah and Mitzvah Relationship· Essay 3
“In the Midrash Tanchuma: ‘And he sent Judah before him,’ see there.” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, which explains why Jacob sent Judah ahead, hinting that this act contains deeper spiritual significance. “The explanation of …
Vayigash תרמ"ג
בי אדוני. יש לפרש עפ”י המדרש חורש זה יהודה וקוצר זה יוסף כי יוסף הוא למעלה מבחי’ יהודה ויהודה המכין כמו החורש ואח”כ בעת הגמר נתעלה לבחי’ יוסף לכן הוא הקוצר. והענין כמ”ש מתחתיו יצמח כי ע”י התחתונים מוסיפין…
תרמ"ד(1883)
Unity of Tribes and Divine Speech· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “Deep waters are counsel in a man’s heart…” The Sefat Emet opens with the Midrash on the hidden depths of inner divine counsel within a person. For the essence of the dispute between Judah and Joseph concerned two modes of s…
Divine Presence in Exile· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘I will go down with you to Egypt.’” This introduces the divine promise that God descends with Israel into exile. “It is a promise that the Holy One, as it were, is ‘with him in distress,’ as it is said regarding the exiles t…
Vayigash תרמ"ד
במדרש מים עמוקים עצה בלב איש כו’. דהנה עיקר מחלוקת יהודה עם יוסף הי’ ב’ מיני עבדות הבורא ית’. דכתיב שתה מים מבורך הוא בחי’ תורה שבע”פ שנטע בתוכינו ממש. והוא עבודה שבלב זו תפלה. והוא בחי’ עבודת ימי ה…
תרמ"ה(1884)
Divine Harmony of Opposing Traits· Essay 1
Concerning the dispute of the tribes with Joseph, the Mishnah was fulfilled in them: a dispute for the sake of Heaven will ultimately endure. The Sefat Emet explains that the tension among the tribes was not petty conflict but a spiritually…
Sanctity of the Covenant· Essay 2
“In the Midrash: ‘Also righteous ones like you will ascend, on condition that Joseph will place his hand.’” This introduces the idea that Joseph’s role—his ‘hand’—is a spiritual condition enabling ascent and redemption. “I heard from my gra…
Vayigash תרמ"ה
בענין מחלוקת השבטים עם יוסף נתקיים בהם המשנה מחלוקת שהיא לשם שמים סופה להתקיים. כי בודאי הי’ המחלוקת עפ”י דרכים מיוחדים שהי’ לכל אחד מהם בעבודת הבורא ית’ כי יעקב אע”ה הוא עצם התורה. והתפשטות שלו הי’ בי…
תרמ"ז(1886)
Unity of Judah and Joseph· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘One approached one,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, which sees the meeting of Judah and Joseph as the meeting of two unifying forces within Israel. For Judah and Joseph are not merely individual persons…
Unity Through Divine Knowledge· Essay 2
In the Midrash: “For behold, the kings assembled…” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash that interprets this verse. This is said regarding the Temple, “Beautiful in elevation…” The gathering of kings refers to the spiritual harmony f…
תרמ"ח(1887)
Humility as Divine Kingship· Essay 1
“And Judah approached him… ‘Please, my lord…’” Judah’s approach signals a spiritual posture of submission and receptivity, which becomes the key to the Sefat Emet’s entire teaching in this passage. For Joseph and Judah represent two differe…
Unity of Divine Knowledge· Essay 2
“And in the haftarah: Take for yourself a stick… and they shall become one in your hand.” The Sefat Emet opens by identifying the prophetic imagery of the two sticks as symbolic of inner unification. It appears that Judah and Joseph are the…
Divine Assistance to Judah· Essay 3
“This pertains to the teaching above.” The Sefat Emet indicates that the idea here continues directly from the previous explanation. “For Judah is a man whom the Master assists.” Judah is described as one who receives special divine assista…
Divine Purpose of Egypt Descent· Essay 4
“In the verse: ‘Do not fear to go down to Egypt… I will make you there into a great nation.’” The Sefat Emet begins by noting the promise that Jacob will become a great nation specifically *there*, in Egypt. “Concerning Abraham it is writte…
תרמ"ט(1888)
Shabbat Light within Limits· Essay 1
“In the verse ‘He saw the wagons… and his spirit revived.’” The Sefat Emet opens by noting that the revival of Jacob’s spirit is connected to the symbolism of the wagons Yosef sent. “For the tribes are the boundaries and banners of the four…
Unity Through Exile and Redemption· Essay 2
“In the verse: Do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make you there into a great nation.” The Sefat Emet begins by explaining that God assures Jacob that the descent to Egypt itself will be the place of becoming great. “For it is know…
תר"נ(1889)
Inner Wisdom and Spiritual Effort· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘Deep waters are counsel in the heart of man,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Midrash that interprets the verse about hidden depths of wisdom within the human heart. “We have already explained that this was the wo…
Divine Presence in Exile· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘Do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make you there into a great nation… I Myself will go down…’.” The Sefat Emet begins by explaining that God reassures Jacob that His descent to Egypt accompanies Jacob’s, forming th…
Hidden and Revealed Holiness· Essay 3
“In the verse ‘And he sent Judah…’” The Sefat Emet begins by referencing the verse in which Jacob sends Judah ahead, indicating this verse contains a deeper spiritual structure. “We have already written elsewhere that Joseph descended to Eg…
תרנ"ב(1891)
Unity of Divine Kingship· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “One to one they shall approach, and no spirit shall come between them,” etc.; what concern is this to us? The Sefat Emet opens by asking why the Midrash’s description of perfect unity matters to us in our present spiritual …
Divine Presence in Exile· Essay 2
“In the verse ‘I shall go down with you,’ there is a promise for all generations, as it is written: ‘I am with him in distress’; in every place they were exiled, the Divine Presence was with them, and this is due to the merit of Jacob. Ther…
תרנ"ג(1892)
Unity of Israel’s Roots· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “And the voice was heard in Pharaoh’s house … ‘One she is’ … this refers to Abraham … until ‘the daughters saw her,’ these are the tribes; as it is written, ‘And the voice was heard.’” The Sefat Emet begins by explaining tha…
Divine Presence in Joy and Sorrow· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘I shall descend with you…’” The Sefat Emet begins by focusing on God's promise to accompany Israel into exile. As it is written: “In all their suffering, He suffers.” This teaches that God participates, so to speak, in Israe…
תרנ"ד(1893)
תרנ"ו(1895)
Unity of the Tribes· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘One with one they shall approach…’” The Sefat Emet opens with the Midrash teaching that unity is the key movement of the tribes as they come together. “And likewise it is written: ‘Joseph is one tree, and Judah is one tree…
Divine Presence in Exile· Essay 2
“In the verse ‘Do not fear to go down to Egypt… I will make you into a great nation.’” The Sefat Emet begins by noting that God reassures Jacob that the descent to Egypt is not a fall but part of the divine plan to elevate Israel into a gre…
תרנ"ז(1896)
Unity of Judah and Joseph· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “One to one they drew near, and no spirit came between them”—Judah and Joseph, etc. The Sefat Emet opens by noting the Midrash that highlights the perfect unity between Judah and Joseph, with no separation. For Judah and Jos…
Unity of Israel’s Souls· Essay 2
“In the verse ‘all the souls… seventy.’” The Sefat Emet begins with the Torah’s count of seventy souls who descended to Egypt. “Rashi wrote: Regarding Esau it is written ‘souls.’” Rashi notes that Esau’s household is described in the plural…
תרנ"ח(1897)
Inner Work and Divine Assistance· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘Deep waters are counsel…’” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Midrash describing hidden divine counsel emerging from depth. “We have already written elsewhere that this refers to the aspect of the Oral Torah, ‘bread from t…
Teshuvah From Love· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘And now, do not be distressed.’” The Sefat Emet opens by focusing on Joseph’s reassurance to his brothers, stressing the significance of the phrase “and now.” “It is taught that ‘and now’ is a term indicating teshuvah (retur…
Spiritual Greatness in Exile· Essay 3
“In the verse: Do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make you there into a great nation.” The Sefat Emet begins by focusing on God’s reassurance to Jacob that his descent into Egypt is purposeful and will lead to greatness. “It is tau…
תרנ"ט(1898)
תר"ס(1899)
Unity of Heart and Mind· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘One with one they shall approach.’” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Midrash, which hints at the unification of two forces within the person. “And in the Zohar: ‘And Judah approached him’—this refers to the joining of re…
Joseph’s Spiritual Influence in Egypt· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘And Joseph harnessed his chariot.’” The Sefat Emet opens by focusing on Joseph’s personal act of preparing his own chariot, which the sages understand as spiritually significant. “And our sages said: Let this ‘binding’ come …
תרס"ג(1902)
Unity of Body and Soul· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘One with one they shall approach,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Midrash, which teaches that all spiritual processes aim toward a movement of unification—‘one approaching one.’ For the purpose of all deeds is to…
Torah Revealed Through Concealment· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up.’” The Sefat Emet begins by focusing on God’s double promise to descend with Israel into exile and to raise them up again. “‘Anochi’ is the Torah—‘I am the Lord …
Unity Through Divine Will· Essay 3
“In the verse ‘all the souls…’—‘seventy soul.’” The Sefat Emet begins by noting that Scripture describes the seventy members of Jacob’s family as a single “soul.” Rashi explains that because they served one God, the Torah writes ‘soul’ in t…