Miketz Chapter 43
11. So Israel, their father, said to them, "If so, then do this: take some of the choice products of the land in your vessels, a little balm and a little honey, wax and lotus, pistachios and almonds. |
|
יא. וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲבִיהֶם אִם כֵּן אֵפוֹא זֹאת עֲשׂוּ קְחוּ מִזִּמְרַת הָאָרֶץ בִּכְלֵיכֶם וְהוֹרִידוּ לָאִישׁ מִנְחָה מְעַט צֳרִי וּמְעַט דְּבַשׁ נְכֹאת וָלֹט בָּטְנִים וּשְׁקֵדִים |
The Tzror HaMor (and others listed below) notes that this gift that Yaakov Avinu sent to Tzafnas Paneach, who unbeknownst to him was Yosef was similar to the gifts sent to appease Esav when Yakov met him with a three pronged plan: war, gifts and prayer. Moreover he elaborates that they play the same role as the Ketores played in the Temple Avodah which is now fullfilled with the daily recitation of related passage in the Torah: negative forces are pacified by the incense offering:see a related prespective here.
The footnotes to the new edition of Tzror HaMor note that early versions of the Siddurim from the Arizal actually included this verse in that recitation, deriving the holy name from the initials of the items of the gifts in teh verse above. It can be viewed online: on p. 241-242 and here on p.40.
See the Koznitzer Maggid's Avodas Yisrael and moreover Imrei Yosef (Spinka) Miketz p.210 for more details which also cites Mitzvos Shmurim which relates these items to the mezuzah which also protects against external forces. Also see Toras Chaim (Mittler Rebbe of Chabad) Vayishlach and Pitchei Chotem fromYaakov Abuchatzeira. A "humorous" tape on the Tzror HaMor was once available from Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky, called "Pistachios - The Perfect Gift Idea"
A more serious tape can be obtained from Rav Schlesinger (Tefilah Tape #160) citing the Tzror HaMor (Some of his shiurim are here but the one being cited is available from the Uvlechtcha Baderech tape company)
Some Rebbes in the Polish tradition thought that this verse has a connection to Chanukah and at least one Rebbe recited this passuk before lighting Menorah (Hamodia Torah Features Dec 26, 2008). Bnei Shlishim on Miketz relates these gifts al pi gematria to Channukah. Birkat Avraham (Slonim) Miketz p.102 relates another gematria that indicates to us that that to light the Menorah is to fight with fire the forces of Esav. Given that Esav represents the Other Side, this is then tantamount to the same battle which is waged with the Ketores.
|
Comments