Parashat Vayigash   Rav Menachem Leibtag

1. SHIUR ON PARASHAT VAYIGASH
2. QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER IYUN

SHIUR ON PARASHAT VAYIGASH

When Yaakov and family depart for Egypt, are they planning just a 'short visit', or do they intend to make Egypt their permanent home? As we answer this question, this week's shiur will help us better appreciate the transition in Chumash from Sefer Breishit to Sefer Shmot.

INTRODUCTION / REVIEW
In our study of Sefer Breishit thus far, we have paid special attention to each time that God spoke to the Avot concerning His future plans for their progeny. We have shown how the primary theme of Sefer Breishit - the topic of "bechira" - develops with each such "hitgalut" [revelation]. Therefore, as we study God's final "hitgalut" in Sefer Breishit - i.e. God's revelation to Yaakov as he departs Eretz Canaan on his way down to see Yosef in Egypt, we should expect to find special significance. We begin this week's shiur with a careful examination of the events preceding this "hitgalut."

EVERYONE HAS A PLAN
Recall, that as soon as Yaakov hears the news that Yosef is still alive, he immediately decides to go visit him: "And Yisrael said... my son Yosef is still alive; I must go and see him before I die." (see 45:28) Does Yaakov plan to return immediately to Eretz Canaan after this visit? Is there any reason why he shouldn't? It's not quite clear what Yaakov's original intentions may have been, but Yosef (as usual) already has detailed plans, of which he had informed his brothers: "... Quickly go up to my father and tell him, thus says your son Yosef: God has made me master over all of Egypt. Come down to me, do not stay [in Canaan], for you should dwell in the land of Goshen to be near me; you and your children... And I will provide for you there, for ANOTHER FIVE YEARS OF FAMINE still remain, lest you PERISH, you and your entire household..." (45:9-11)

Clearly, Yosef intends for his family to stay for more than just a 'long weekend.' On the other hand, he is not inviting them to make Egypt their permanent home, either. He wants the family to come to Egypt specifically "because FIVE years of famine still remain, lest the family perish"! What will be once the famine is over and economic conditions in Canaan improve? Most likely, Yaakov and his family plan to (& should) return to their homeland. God, however, has a different plan, which He reveals to Yaakov before he embarks upon his departure from Eretz Canaan: "Then God spoke to YISRAEL... Fear not to go down to Egypt, for I will make you there a GREAT NATION. I Myself will go down with you and I Myself will also BRING YOU BACK..."(46:2-4) Even though Yaakov may have been planning only a 'short visit' to reunite the family. and Yosef was only planning for the family to stay for several years to survive the famine, God reveals His plan that Yaakov and family are to remain in Egypt for several HUNDRED years. They will not return until they have first become a great NATION in the land of Egypt.

THE STOP AT BEER SHEVA
However, even before this "hitgalut", it seems that Yaakov had already senses that there was something momentous about his departure. Let's pay careful attention to Yaakov's actions as he first embarks on this journey:

"And Yisrael traveled with all that was his, and came to BEER SHEVA, and he offered "ZEVACHIM" (sacrifices, peace offerings) to the God of his father YITZCHAK." (see 46:1)

When studying this pasuk, several questions arise:
a) Why does Yaakov stop specifically at BEER SHEVA? - in fact, we could ask, why does he stop at all?
b) Why does he offer these zevachim specifically to the "God of his father YITZCHAK"? Is He not the God of Avraham, as well? [See 32:10 where Yaakov, faced with a similar situation, prays to the God of both Avraham AND Yitzchak!]
c) Why does Yaakov find it necessary specifically at this time to offer korbanot? - & why specifically ZEVACHIM?
d) Why does this pasuk now refer to Yaakov by his new name - Yisrael?

To answer these questions, we must first consider Yaakov's concerns at this point in time.

First of all, from God's immediate response to Yaakov's korbanot, that he prefaces with "Don't worry Yaakov..." (see 46:2), we can definitely infer that something certainly troubled Yaakov. First and foremost, Yaakov is most probably worried because he is leaving Eretz Canaan. Recall that his father Yitzchak had once faced a very similar predicament. But even in times of famine, God did not permit Yitzchak to leave the land:

"And there was a famine in the Land... and God appeared to him (Yitzchak) and said to him: Do not go down to Egypt, stay in the Land that I show you..." (see 26:1-3) In that very same "hitgalut" to Yitzchak, God even explained the reason why he could not leave - because he was the 'chosen' son of Avraham Avinu:

"... reside in this Land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and your offspring I have given these Lands, and I will fulfill the OATH which I have sworn to Avraham..."(26:3-4) Although Avraham himself was once permitted to leave the Land during a famine, Yitzchak, his CHOSEN son, was required to stay in the Land.

Understandably, then, Yaakov had reason for concern prior to his settlement in Egypt. Although he himself had once received permission to leave Eretz Canaan (in Parshat Vayetze, see 28:10- 20), his situation then was quite different, as he faced immediate, life-threatening danger (see 27:41-43). And even then, Yaakov still needed divine reassurance that ALTHOUGH he was leaving Eretz Canaan, God would continue to look after him and BRING HIM BACK: "And behold I will be with you and take care of you on your journey, and I WILL BRING YOU BACK TO THIS LAND..." (26:15) [Note that on that first journey from Eretz Canaan, Yaakov also left specifically from BEER SHEVA (see 28:10)!] Now, in Parshat Vayigash, Yaakov's situation is a bit different. Survival in Eretz Canaan, however difficult, is still possible, as food could be imported from Egypt. Furthermore, if it was so important for Yosef to see his father, why couldn't Yosef come to Eretz Canaan to see him? Is it absolutely necessary for Yaakov to resettle his entire family in Egypt at this time? Unquestionably, Yaakov has what to worry about.

APPLYING FOR AN EXIT VISA
We can thus assume that Yaakov fears that his departure to Egypt may be against God's will or possibly even threaten his "bechira." Therefore, Yaakov first stops in Beer Sheva to pray - to 'ask permission' to leave Eretz Canaan. [See Seforno, 46:1.] Now, to complete our answer to question (a), we must explain why he stops specifically at Beer Sheva. The commentators offer several explanations:

* Rashbam (46:1) explains that Beer Sheva was the site of Yitzchak's place of prayer. [See 26:25, where Yitzchak builds a mizbayach in Beer Sheva. Note also that God offers him reassurance at that site - see 26:24!]

* Ramban (46:1) adds to Rashbam's explanation that Yaakov chooses Beer Sheva to parallel his first excursion outside Eretz Canaan (from Beer Sheva to Charan /see 28:10).

* Radak considers Beer Sheva the 'official' southern border of Eretz Canaan, thus the appropriate place for Yaakov to 'apply for an exit visa.'

[See also Seforno 46:1 (like Radak) and Chizkuni.]

Although each commentator quotes different sources to explain why specifically Beer Sheva is chosen, all agree that Yaakov is indeed worried about his departure from Eretz Canaan.

This very same concern of Yaakov answers question (b), as well. Yaakov prays specifically at this time to the God of YITZCHAK, because when Yitzchak faced a very similar situation, God did NOT allow him to leave Eretz Canaan. It is Yaakov's hope that despite this precedent, God will permit him to leave. [See again Radak & Seforno.]

[Note that Ramban offers a different approach (based on what he calls "sod"), that Yaakov recognizes that his departure to Egypt marks the beginning of the long historical process of Yetziat Mitzrayim. (As we will see, that is the deeper meaning of God's answer in the forthcoming "hitgalut".) Realizing that this process may entail terrible suffering of "midat ha'din," Yaakov prays specifically to "pachad Yitzchak," the manifestation of God's providence through "midat ha'din," in hope that his children will suffer as little as possible.]

THE FIRST 'ZEVACH'
With this background, we return to our third question (c): why does Yaakov offer specifically "zevachim"? Significantly, this is the FIRST explicit mention in Chumash of a "zevach" - in the context of an offering to God. As Ramban (on 46:1) points out, until this time the children of Noach (and Avraham as well) offered only "olot."

[The technical difference between an "olah" and "zevach" is quite simple. In Sefer Vayikra we learn that an "olah" is totally consumed on the mizbayach (chapter 1). In contrast, the meat of a "zevach" - alternately referred to as "shlamim" (see Vayikra 3:1, 7:11) - is eaten by the owner, while only a small portion is offered on the mizbayach. Conceptually, its name "shlamim" implies a certain "shlaymut" - for completeness, that this voluntary offering can express a feeling of 'completeness' in one's relationship with God. Although it is unclear if at this time Yaakov actually ate these "zevachim," it is significant that the Torah refers to them with the term, "zevach."]

There are three other seminal events in Chumash where specifically "zevachim" are offered:
1) The KORBAN PESACH (at Yetziat Mitzrayim)
2) Brit NA'ASSE V'NISHMA (at Ma'amad har Sinai)
3) YOM ha'SHMINI (the dedication ceremony of the Mishkan).

At first glance, these three examples appear to involve joyous and festive occasions, quite the opposite of Yaakov's current situation (worrying about leaving Eretz Canaan). However, if we look a little more closely, all three share a 'common denominator,' which can help us appreciate Yaakov's offering of "zevachim" at this time. Note how each event marks the COMPLETION of an important process: 1) The KORBAN PESACH, called a "ZEVACH pesach l'Hashem" (see Shmot 12:27), marks the COMPLETION of the process of Yetziat Mitzrayim. [See Shmot 11:1->12:14. Note also that Chazal include Korban Pesach under the general category of "shlamim."]
2) At Ma'amad Har Sinai, Bnei Yisrael offer special "zevachim" as part of the ceremony where they accept the mitzvot: "Moshe wrote down God's commandments, and then, early in the morning, he set up a "mizbayach"... and they offered ZEVACHIM, SHLAMIM to God..." (Shmot 24:4-5) Here we find the COMPLETION and fulfillment of the ultimate purpose of Yetziat Mitzrayim - Bnei Yisrael's readiness to accept God's commandments.
3) On YOM ha'SHMINI, upon the COMPLETION of the dedication ceremony of the Mishkan, Bnei Yisrael offer a special korban "shlamim": "And behold on the 8th day, God commanded Moshe [to offer special korbanot] ... and an ox and a ram for a SHLAMIM - l'ZV'BOACH - to offer..." (see Vayikra 9:1-4) As the name "shlamim" implies ["shaleym" = complete], a ZEVACH SHLAMIM usually implies the completion of an important process. But if we return to Yaakov, what 'process' is being completed with his descent to Egypt? Why does Yaakov offer davka ZEVACHIM?! One could suggest that Yaakov's offering of "zevachim" involves a different element entirely. However anxious (and fearful) Yaakov might be prior to his journey to Egypt, he is also very THANKFUL that Yosef is alive and that he has the opportunity to visit him. These "zevachim" may very well be a "korban TODAH," a THANKSGIVING offering. [Note that the "korban TODAH" is also a category of "shelamim" (see Vayikra 7:11-12).]

Before he departs to Egypt, Yaakov THANKS God for re-uniting his family. He therefore offers ZEVACHIM in Beer Sheva, the site of the MIZBAYACH upon which his father Yitzchak had offered korbanot (see 26:25/ see also Rashbam 46:1).

Furthermore, considering that the purpose of Yaakov's descent to Egypt is not only to visit Yosef, but also to RE-UNITE his twelve sons, this journey could also be considered the COMPLETION of the "bechira" process. Without Yosef, the "bechira" process was incomplete; a very important "shevet" (tribe) was missing. Now, by offering "zevachim," Yaakov thanks God for re-uniting the family and COMPLETING the "bechira" process.

We could even take this idea one step further and suggest that while Yaakov asks for Divine permission to leave Eretz Canaan, he offers "zevachim" to explain WHY he is leaving - IN ORDER to unite the twelve tribes and thereby complete the "bechira" process. This answer to our third question answers our fourth question (d), as well: why does the Torah use Yaakov's special name of YISRAEL?

As we explained in our shiur on Parshat Va'yishlach, the name YISRAEL reflects God's choice of Yaakov as the FINAL stage of the "bechira" process. In other words, as opposed to the previous generations where only one son was chosen, ALL of Yaakov's children have been chosen to become God's special nation. Now, as Yaakov descends to Egypt to re-unite his twelve sons, it is only appropriate that the Torah use the name YISRAEL.

THE END, AND THE BEGINNING...
Even though Yaakov's "zevachim" may be a thanksgiving offering, he is still worried about the implications of his departure from Eretz Canaan.

However, God's response to Yaakov's offering adds an entirely new dimension to this departure, a dimension which most likely catches Yaakov totally by surprise:

"Then God spoke to YISRAEL... Fear not to go down to Egypt, for I will make you there a GREAT NATION. I Myself will go down with you and I Myself will also BRING YOU BACK..."(46:2-4) Yaakov, as we explained earlier, may have been planning only a 'short visit' to reunite the family. Yosef was planning for the family to stay for several years to survive the famine. Now, God reveals a totally new plan. Yaakov and family are departing on a journey of several HUNDRED years in order to fulfill God's original promise to Avraham Avinu - "v'e'escha l'GOY GADOL - And I will make you a GREAT NATION" / see 12:1-3.

However, to Yaakov's surprise, he is now informed that instead of becoming this nation in Eretz Canaan, the process by which they will become this great nation will take place OUTSIDE that land, in the Land of Egypt. Therefore, Yaakov's family will not return until they have first become a great NATION in the land of Egypt. God Himself brings them down, and there they must remain until God Himself will bring them back.

Hence, when Yaakov goes down to Egypt, not only will the prophetic dreams of Yosef be fulfilled, but so too will God's promise to Avraham Avinu at Brit Bein Ha'btarim - the long and difficult process of Yetziat Mitzrayim:

"Know [Avraham] that your offspring will be strangers in land that is NOT theirs, and they will be enslaved there and oppressed, for four hundred year. Only the fourth generation shall return... "(see Breishit 15:13-18).

Thus, God now informs Yaakov in Parshat Va'yigash that although his descent to Egypt involves leaving Eretz Canaan, it does not constitute a breach of the Divine covenant with his family. Rather, it forms a critical stage in His master plan of transforming Yaakov's family of 'seventy souls' into God's special Nation. [The fuller meaning of this final "hitgalut" of Sefer Breishit will be discussed in our introductory shiur to Sefer Shmot.]

FROM "TOLDOT" TO "SHMOT"
Let us now return to the psukim in Parshat Va'yigash which we were discussing (46:1-4), i.e. God's promise to be with Yaakov and his family during their stay in Egypt.

Immediately after this final "hitgalut" to Yaakov, the Torah describes the actual journey of the entire family to Egypt (see 46:5-7). The Torah then devotes a special 'parshia' to the enumeration of the seventy members of Yaakov's family: "These are the NAMES ["v'ayleh SHMOT"] of Bnei Yisrael who were coming to Egypt..." (46:8)

This special 'parshia' - "v'ayleh SHMOT..." - marks the conclusion of the "bechira" process of Sefer Breishit, as it is from these seventy "nefesh" (souls) that the Jewish nation will develop. The process of "bechira" which has progressed through the choosing of specific "TOLADOT" is now complete. The chosen family is now presented as "SHMOT."

This may explain why Sefer Shmot begins with the very same phrase. In fact, its opening psukim (1:1-4) actually summarize this 'parshia' (i.e. 46:8-27). Furthermore, the first primary topic of Sefer Shmot is the fulfillment of Brit Bein Ha'Btarim - the story of how these seventy people multiply, become a multitude, are enslaved and then redeemed (see Shmot 1:7, and the topic of their enslavement that is discussed in the remainder of that chapter). The remainder of Sefer Breishit (i.e. 46:28 -> 50:26) completes the details of the relationship among the brothers, their dwelling in Egypt, the deaths of Yaakov and Yosef, etc. Sefer Shmot, which discusses God's fulfillment of Brit Bein Ha'btarim, begins with "v'ayleh SHMOT Bnei Yisrael..." - right where the primary theme of Sefer Breishit left off. From these seventy souls, God's special Nation will emerge.

shabbat shalom,
menachem

FOR FURTHER IYUN

A. There are several instances in Sefer Breishit where korbanot are offered, most notably the "olot" offered by Noach (8:20) and Avraham (at the Akeydah /see 22:13). We also find many examples of the building of a mizbayach and calling out in God's Name. Yet, we never find "zvachim." Note that in 31:54, where we do find the word "zevach", there "zevach" refers to a joint feast between Yaakov and Lavan, not a sacrifice to God.

B. HINAYNI...
The final "hitgalut" to Yaakov in Sefer Breishit begins as follows: "Then God spoke to Yisrael in a vision by night saying: YAAKOV YAAKOV, and he answered "HI'NAY'NI" (here I am)... Fear not to go down to Egypt..." (see 46:2-3) The unique style of God's opening statement to Yaakov creates a linguistic pointing us both (A) backward - to the Akeydah, and (B) forward - to the burning bush. (A) "HI'NAY'NI" - BACK TO THE AKEYDAH God's response is reminiscent of His opening statement at the Akeyda: "... and God tested Avraham, and called out 'AVRAHAM,' and he answered, 'HI'NAY'NI.'" (see 22:1) Besides symbolizing the ultimate devotion to God, the Akeyda narrative also concludes with a Divine oath naming Yitzchak as heir to the earlier covenants and promises God had made with Avraham Avinu. This may explain why in God's reply to Yaakov's korbanot to the 'God of YITZCHAK,' He affirms the deeper purpose for Yaakov's descent to Egypt - the fulfillment of that earlier oath to Avraham Avinu.

(B) HI'NAY'NI - FORWARD TO THE BURNING BUSH Just as we find a linguistic parallel to God's call to Avraham at the Akeydah, we find a similar parallel to God's call to Moshe Rabeinu at the burning bush: "... and God called him from the bush saying: 'MOSHE, MOSHE,' and he answered 'hi'nay'ni.'" (Shmot 3:4) However, the significance of God's "hitgalut" to Moshe at the burning bush extends beyond this linguistic parallel. It is God's FIRST revelation to man since Yaakov's departure from Eretz Canaan! In other words, prophecy 'picks up right where it left off'! Note the comparison between these two revelations, clearly suggesting a conceptual relationship between them: YAAKOV (leaving Eretz Canaan) MOSHE (at the burning bush) (Breishit 46:2-4) (Shmot 3:4-8)

God called to Yisrael in a vision: God called out to Moshe: "YAAKOV, YAAKOV, "MOSHE, MOSHE, va'yomer hi'nay'ni" va'yomer hi'nay'ni" And he said: And he said: I am the God of your father... I am the God of your father... Do not fear going down to Egypt I have seen the suffering of for I will make you there My People in Egypt and I have a great Nation... heard their crying... I will go DOWN with you to Egypt I have come DOWN to rescue and them from Egypt in order to I will surely GO UP with you.. BRING YOU UP from that Land to the Land flowing with... [It is recommended that you compare these psukim in the original Hebrew.] Just as the linguistic parallel is obvious, so is the thematic parallel. At God's "hitgalut" to Moshe (at the burning bush), He instructs Moshe to inform Bnei Yisrael that God has come to fulfill the covenant of Brit Bein Ha'Btarim, to bring them out of bondage, establish them as a sovereign Nation and bring them to the Promised Land. C. The emotional confrontation between Yehuda and Yosef at the beginning of this week's Parsha is symbolic of future struggles between shevet Yehuda and shevet Yosef.
1. Note that in this week's parsha they fight over Binyamin. How do the "nachalot" of the shvatim represent this struggle?
2. Relate this to the location of the Mikdash in the "nachala" of Binyamin, as well as to Yehoshua 18:11.
3. Relate this to the civil war waged against Binyamin, as described in chapter 20 of Sefer Shoftim.

For more articles by Rav Menachem Leibtag, visit his web site,  www.tanach.org