The Redemptive Torah

by HaRav Dov Begon
Rosh HaYeshiva, Machon Meir

“Yisrael reached out with his right hand and placed it on Ephraim’s head, even though he was the younger son. He placed his left hand on Manasheh’s head” (Bereisheet 48:14).

Yoseph tried to change this and to put his father’s right hand on the head of Manasheh, the older son, but Yaakov refused, saying, “I know, my son, I know [that Manasheh is the firstborn], but his younger brother will become even greater” (Bereisheet 48:19). Rashi explains that Yehoshua was destined to emerge from Ephraim, and that Yehoshua would apportion the Land among the tribes and would teach Torah to Israel. Apportioning the Land and teaching Torah were the most important things in Yaakov's eyes. That is why he put his right hand, the stronger hand, on Ephraim’s head.

Today, our generation faces parallel challenges to those of the generation of Yehoshua bin Nun. The two most important issues of our generation are (1) settling the Land and taking hold of it despite the opposition of our enemies, and (2) the return to Judaism and to teaching the Torah to the myriads of our people. Both projects require strengthening. Yaakov's blessing, given with his right hand, the strong hand, defends us and shall continue to do so. “‘May G-d make you like Ephraim and Manasheh.’ Yaakov deliberately put Ephraim before Manasheh” (verse 20).

In our national political situation, we are like a ship that has come upon stormy seas, while the captain has lost his compass and rudder and does not know how to guide the ship to safe shores.

In order to overcome this terrible difficulty and to restore to the ship’s passengers their faith and trust in the idea that it is possible to reach port, we must find the compass and rudder of the Jewish People. We must follow in the paths of Jacob and of Joshua, both of whom believed, even in the most difficult circumstances, in the return to Eretz Yisrael, and in its conquest and settlement despite our enemies.

All this must occur amidst our drawing strength and faith from devotion to and study of the Torah, which has been the source of Israel’s strength and might from time immemorial. Dovid HaMelech said, “G-d will give strength to His people,” and “strength” can only refer to Torah. Through this, “G-d will bless His people with peace.”

Looking forward to salvation,
With Love of Israel,
Shabbat Shalom.