QUESTION: Why did Yaacov select Yehudah (and not Yosef) to establish the Yeshiva in Goshen?
ANSWER: Yosef was always connected to G-d throughout his time in Egypt, and one would have assumed that he was uniquely suited to establish the first Yeshiva in Galus. However, Torah was not his occupation. Yehudah’s occupation was Torah and thus, was selected to establish the Yeshiva. All aspects of Yeshiva have to reflect that Torah is their occupation, including the outreach efforts of the students.
(827, עמ' גלקוטי שיחות כרך)
QUESTION: The Torah mentions that 70 souls went down to Egypt, yet lists only 69 names. Who is the 70th (unlisted) soul?
ANSWER: The 70th (unlisted) soul completed the count and contributed to the Jews’ ability to cope with the darkness, and to accomplish the purpose of this exile (birur & bitul) in preparation to Matan Torah.
HaShemMedrashHidden secrets of TorahJews are connected to G-d; they exist above the pains of Galus
Complete BitulYaacovTorah commentatorsConnected to Text but not the Pshat
Inherited from Yaacov, Jews above Galus yet related to the world
Bitul but with a connection to the worldYochevedRashiפשוטו של מקרא
As a new-born and as a renewed nursing mother; “plain” faith overcomes Galus
Bitul within the world itself
(218, עמ' כלקוטי שיחות כרך)
QUESTION: Prior to revealing himself to his brothers, Yosef had asked about his father. Why immediately after revealing himself, does Yosef again ask if his father still lives?
ANSWER: It was not a question, rather an exclamation. Yosef expressed amazement that Yaacov was still alive in order to impress his brothers the urgency of bringing him to Egypt (and not a reproach to them). Thus, when one needs to reproach another, must be careful to revert to Chesed. (391 , עמ'ו טלקוטי שיחות כרך)
QUESTION: Upon reaching the border of Egypt, G-d tells Yaacov not to fear going to Egypt. Why did Yaacov fear now greater than earlier (at his home)?
ANSWER: Upon reaching the border, Yaacov felt the pain of being forced to leave Eretz Yisrael in actuality, not just in theory. G-d reassured him that he was not wrong in wishing to stay, but now at the beginning of the establishment of the nation, he needed to look forward. We must have faith in HaShem that we can be successful in Exile; nevertheless, we must feel the pain that we are not yet in our land and ask “Ad Mosai”. (198, עמ' להלקוטי שיחות כרך)
