Tag: hashgacha

parasha Vayeishev 5785

It makes perfect sense for Yaakov’s son, Yoseph to also encounter an angelic being in the physical form of a man. In this week’s parasha, Vayeishev, Yoseph is sent on the mission to check up on his brothers, who are pasturing sheep at Shechem. When Yoseph seems to be meandering, and perhaps straying from his intended course to fulfill the task given to him by his father, grooming him as the next leader of the family, he happens to meet a man.

According to Rashi, this is the angel Gabriel, who points him in the right direction towards Dothan where he will find his brothers. Ramban explains, that “the Holy One, blessed be He, sent him a guide without his knowledge in order to bring him into their hands” (commentary on Genesis 3:15, sefaria.org). The significance of sending an angel is elaborated upon: it was necessary, so that the counsel of HaShem would be carried out (Proverbs 19:21).

This occurs against the backdrop of jealousy, already being harbored by his brothers, because of his dreams of superiority that he shared with his family. When he arrives, they take the opportunity to prevent him from gaining leadership over them, by selling him to passerby on their way to Egypt. We know the rest of the story of how Yoseph suffers, accused wrongly, landing up in jail, until he is released and ushered into Pharoah’s court.

Had he missed the mark, by not being able to find his brothers in Dothan that fateful day, he would not have been able to procure the means for preserving his family’s lives during the famine that ensued twenty-two years later. The question is what can we learn from this occurrence, whereof almost going astray, divine intervention leads him back upon his designated path in order to accomplish his divine mission?

In life, there are times that are crucial, for some future reckoning that we are unable to see down the road, that something needs to happen to keep the present in sync with the prescribed future of an individual. And, we cannot predict how that singular meeting, event, or decision will impact others after it plays out in the aftermath. These may be understood as choice points in our lives, where hashgacha peratis (divine guidance) plays a role in the unfolding of a situation for the sake of posterity.

©2024 Tzvi Fievel all rights reserved

Israel Matters

Israel Matters: G-d’s Presence on Earth

Because the understanding of the Deists limited G-d to His role as Creator, without acknowledging His continual Presence in the world, mankind was designated as the sole manager of earth, without G-d’s intervention. Thus, a vast separation between G-d and mankind resulted, conceptually, within their faulty logic. Yet, G-d is not only present in the world, He continually interacts with the world. He maintains Creation through His hasgacha (guidance) over the affairs of the natural world and even every individual on the face of the planet.

He is a very present G-d, Who, within the framework of Judaism is both transcendent and immanent. So, although G-d is said to reside in Seventh Heaven, He is also present in this world, and His presence may be felt within a human being. At any given time, he may feel as if he is further away from or closer to a person who has a relationship with Him. Thusly said, we are active partners with Him in regard to His divine plan when we accede to His will.

Israel is the apple of G-d’s eye, a treasure that He always has in mind. Israel will never be abandoned by G-d. Despite the nisyanos (trials) both as a nation and as individuals, we may rest assured that He is there with us in the midst of our challenges. When Israel fought against Amalek, Moses held up his hands in prayer the whole time, bringing strength from Above to Israel in its battle. In like manner, those of us who are not directly involved in combat or material support for I.D.F. may offer their prayers for the sake of the defeat of evil.

We will triumph; light will prevail over darkness. As Chanukah approaches, we may reflect upon the preservation of the Jewish people, despite great odds at that time. Again and again we have succeeded in the face of great challenges; will continue to do so in anticipation of the Geulah.

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