Vayigash
ויגשThe Reunion
92 translated essays · 94 total
In this parsha
Judah steps forward and pleads for Benjamin, offering himself as a slave in the boy's place. Overcome, Joseph reveals his identity to his stunned brothers, weeps, and reassures them that God sent him ahead to preserve their lives. He sends for his father, and Pharaoh welcomes the family to settle in Goshen. On the way, God reassures Jacob in a night vision, and the seventy souls of his household descend to Egypt, where father and son reunite in tears. Joseph administers the famine, gathering Egypt's wealth and land for Pharaoh, while Israel settles and prospers in Goshen.
Themes
- Surrender reveals inner light
- Unity of Yehudah and Yosef
- Mind and heart united
- Malchus through humility
- The Shechinah in exile
- Revealing divine speech
Must-read teachings
- 1Approaching God Through Surrender“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…תרל"א
- 2Inner Light Revealed Through Surrender“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…תרל"ב
- 3Unity of Judah and JosephIn 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…תרנ"ז
- 4Unity of the Tribes“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…תרנ"ו
- 5Unity of Heart and Mind“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…תר"ס
- 6Unity of Divine KingshipIn 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 …תרנ"ב
- 7Humility as Divine Kingship“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…תרמ"ח
- 8Unity of Tribes and Divine SpeechIn 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…תרמ"ד
All essays on Vayigash
תרל"א(1870)
- 1Approaching God Through Surrender“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…
- 2Hidden Holiness Revealed“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…
- 3Spiritual Attachment to God“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…
- 4Sanctifying the Sabbath’s Inner Essence“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…
- 5Unity Through Joseph’s Connection“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.” …
- 6Vayigash תרל"א[ ] [ ]. [ ]. “And Yehuda approached him” (Bereishis 44:18)(The simple reading refers to Yehuda approaching Yosef, however as the Sfas Emes will explain, it can also mean that Yehuda approached HaShem. An inner dimension he discovered in hi…
- 7תרל"א 1 VayigashYehuda approached Yosef The name Yehuda is connected to the word ‘Hoda’a’ giving thanks. This is also the name given to all Jews ‘Yehudim’. In the name of the Chidushei Harim I heard that the reason why we are called ‘Yehudim’ is because we…
תרל"ב(1871)
- 1Inner Light Revealed Through Surrender“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…
- 2Spiritual Descent and Ascent“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…
- 3Inner Divine Life‑Force“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…
- 4Vayigash תרל"בIn the Medrash (see above Bereishis Rabba 93) on the verse in Mishlei ( 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…
תרל"ד(1873)
- 1Inner Point of Truth“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 …
- 2Unity of Forces Toward God“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…
- 3Hidden Holiness and Self‑Restraint“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…
- 4Vayigash תרל"ד1 In the abovementioned Medrash (Bereishit Rabba 93:1) we can connect it to the Medrash (ibid 93:4) on the pasuk (Mishlei 20:5) The designs in a man’s mind are deep waters, But a man of understanding can draw them out. This is referring to…
תרל"ה(1874)
- 1Divine Unity and Shabbat Light“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…
- 2Descent Without Spiritual Decline“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…
- 3Unity Through Joseph and the Tribes“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…
- 4Divine Dominion and Submission“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…
- 5Vayigash תרל"הThe 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 concept describing HaShem’s presence everywhere)” (*) There is a dif…
תרל"ו(1875)
- 1Transforming Sin to Merit“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…
- 2Spiritual Growth Through Trials“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…
- 3Shabbat Awakens Redemption“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…
- 4Vayigash תרל"וAnd Yehuda approached him…” the Medrash (Rabba 93:2) “If you provided surety for your friend” (Mishlei 6:1-3 see above 1) etc, Rashi explains the verse if you provide “surety for your friend” this is referring to HaShem HaShem For each pers…
תרל"ז(1876)
- 1Surrender to Divine Truth“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…
- 2Sanctifying Physical Desire“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…
- 3Repentance Through Suffering“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…
- 4Exile Sustained by Redemption“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…
- 5Vayigash תרל"זOn the pasuk “And Yosef could no longer hold back etc.” (Bereishit 45:1) As it says just before that “and Yehuda approached him Eilav” ‘Eilav’ is referring simply to Yosef, but deeper still it means Yehuda approached his essence (for it is…
תרל"ח(1877)
- 1Spiritual Responsibility and TruthIn 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…
- 2Hidden Divine Insight Through Effort“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…
- 3Spiritual Mastery Through Trials“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 …
- 4Vayigash תרל"חMedrash (Bereishit Rabba 93:1) My son if you provide surety etc, run away from three things…from providing surety for another. the explanation of this Medrash is that one should avoid providing (spiritual) surety for another person, for if…
תרל"ט(1878)
- 1Unity of Judah and JosephIn 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 …
- 2Divine Assistance in Trials“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 …
- 3Sacrifice for Future Generations“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 …
- 4Spiritual Garments and Transformation“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…
- 5Vayigash תרל"ט(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 this then, my son, to extricate yourself,For you have come…
תר"מ(1879)
- 1Inner Wisdom Revealed“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…
- 2Judah Confronts JosephThe 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…
- 3Divine Descent and AscentIn 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 …
- 4Selfless Compassion Awakens Mercy“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…
- 5Revealing the True Tzaddik“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…
- 6Vayigash תר"מThe Midrash quotes the pasuk in regard to Yehuda: (Mishlei 20:5) “The designs of a man’s heart are deep waters, and a man of understanding can draw them forth”. We have written elsewhere ( 1) that “man’s heart”, refers to each and every per…
תרמ"א(1880)
- 1Unity of Written and Oral Torah“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, …
- 2Joseph’s Tears and Exile RootsThe 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…
- 3Vayigash תרמ"אThe Midrash quotes the pasuk in regard to Yehuda: (Mishlei 20:5) “The designs of a man’s heart are deep waters, and a man of understanding can draw them forth”. Water alludes to the Torah. And the Oral Torah is called “deep waters”. The sou…
תרמ"ב(1881)
- 1Inner Torah WellspringIn 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…
- 2Spiritual Power of Responsibility“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…
- 3Revealing Divine Speech“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…
- 4Vayigash תרמ"בhttps://www.sefaria.org/Sefat_Emet,_Genesis,_Vayigash_11.3 The Midrash brings the pasuk (Mishlei 20:5): “The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters.” The Midrash explains that it’s like a deep well; the deeper the water, the sweeter…
תרמ"ג(1882)
- 1Spiritual Roles of Judah and Joseph“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…
- 2Divine Providence in Hardship“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…
- 3Torah and Mitzvah Relationship“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 …
- 4Vayigash תרמ"גhttps://www.sefaria.org/Sefat_Emet,_Genesis,_Vayigash_12.3 When Yehuda confronts Yosef, he states, which means “Please, my master.” The word can also mean “in me.” The idea here can be understood with the Midrash that compares Yehuda to the…
תרמ"ד(1883)
- 1Unity of Tribes and Divine SpeechIn 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…
- 2Divine Presence in Exile“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…
- 3Vayigash תרמ"ד( ) [ ] [ ] https://www.sefaria.org/Sefat_Emet,_Genesis,_Vayigash_13.3 The Midrash Bereishis Rabbah 93:3 describes the encounter between Yosef and Yehuda, relating it to the pasuk in Mishlei (20:5): “the thoughts of man are like deep waters…
תרמ"ה(1884)
- 1Divine Harmony of Opposing TraitsConcerning 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…
- 2Sanctity of the Covenant“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…
- 3Vayigash תרמ"הhttps://www.sefaria.org/Sefat_Emet,_Genesis,_Vayigash_14.3 Regarding the argument between the brothers and Yosef, we see a fulfillment of the Mishnah (Avot 5:17): “An argument for the sake of Heaven will endure.” Clearly, the argument was b…
תרמ"ז(1886)
- 1Unity of Judah and Joseph“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…
- 2Unity Through Divine KnowledgeIn 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)
- 1Humility as Divine Kingship“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…
- 2Unity of Divine Knowledge“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…
- 3Divine Assistance to Judah“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…
- 4Divine Purpose of Egypt Descent“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)
- 1Shabbat Light within Limits“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…
- 2Unity Through Exile and Redemption“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)
- 1Inner Wisdom and Spiritual Effort“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…
- 2Divine Presence in Exile“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…
- 3Hidden and Revealed Holiness“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)
- 1Unity of Divine KingshipIn 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 …
- 2Divine Presence in Exile“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)
- 1Unity of Israel’s RootsIn 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…
- 2Divine Presence in Joy and Sorrow“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)
- 1Unity of the Tribes“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…
- 2Divine Presence in Exile“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)
- 1Unity of Judah and JosephIn 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…
- 2Unity of Israel’s Souls“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)
- 1Inner Work and Divine Assistance“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…
- 2Teshuvah From Love“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…
- 3Spiritual Greatness in Exile“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)
- 1Unity of Heart and Mind“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…
- 2Joseph’s Spiritual Influence in Egypt“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)
- 1Unity of Body and Soul“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…
- 2Torah Revealed Through Concealment“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 …
- 3Unity Through Divine Will“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…