The Redemptive Torah

by HaRav Dov Begon
Rosh HaYeshiva, Machon Meir

In Parashat Vayechi we read: “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 Menashe’s head” (Bereisheet 48:14).

Yosef tried to change this - attempting to place his father’s right hand on the head of Menashe, the older son - but Ya'akov refused, saying, “I know, my son, I know [that Menashe 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 Ya'akov’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. Ya'akov’s blessing, given with his right hand, the strong hand, defends us and shall continue to do so through the help of G-d. “‘May G-d make you like Ephraim and Menashe.’ Ya'akov deliberately put Ephraim before Menashe".

In our national situation, we are "as if" aboard a ship that has come upon stormy seas, experiencing immense challenges navigating back to safe shores. In order to overcome these terrible difficulties and to restore to one another's faith and trust in the idea that it is possible to reach port, we must follow in the paths of Ya'akov and of Yehoshua, both of whom believed that - even in the most difficult circumstances - we will return to Eretz Yisrael and settle the land, despite our enemies. 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. King David 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.”

BeSorot Tovot,
Looking forward to complete salvation,
With the Love of Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael,
Shabbat Shalom.