Friday, January 09, 2009

Drawing Them Close With Both Hands


וְעֵינֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כָּבְדוּ מִזֹּקֶן, לֹא יוּכַל לִרְאוֹת; וַיַּגֵּשׁ אֹתָם אֵלָיו, וַיִּשַּׁק לָהֶם וַיְחַבֵּק לָהֶם

Now Israel's eyes had become dim with age; he could not see. So he drew them near to him, and he kissed them and embraced them. (Bereishis 48:10)

Degel Machaneh Ephraim, Parshas Vayechi:

Israel's eyes - This refers to the tzaddikim who are the eyes of Israel.

had become dim - The eyes of the tzaddikim had become dim from observing the deeds of Israel.

with age
- Because of their evil deeds, the people became very "old" and so accustomed to their manner of behavior that it seemed to them like a license. It is therefore totally impossible for the tzaddik to rebuke them concerning their behavior.

he drew them near to him - Viewing the people's evils deeds is difficult for the tzaddik, nevertheless, he still draws them near to him and thinks, "Your people Israel are all tzaddikim. Even the sinners of Israel are full of mitzvos as a pomegranate."

and he kissed them and embraced them - The tzaddik brings near those who want to become close.... For this is the way of the tzaddik, to continually plead for favor for Israel, the holy people, and to draw them close with two hands in love and affection.

1 Comments:

At January 13, 2009 at 1:57:00 AM EST, Blogger Long Beach Chasid said...

Simply amazing Torah.

Where do you buy your Seforim?

Most places I find that sell the

Degel Machaneh Ephraim

the shipping is almost equal to the cost of the sefer itself.

 

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