Parshat Mikeitz

(by Yehuda HaKohen)

“Yosef recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.” (BEREISHIT 42:8)

On this verse, the Gaon Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna teaches:
“This is one of Yosef’s attributes. Not just in his generation, but in every generation, Mashiach ben Yosef recognizes his brothers and they do not recognize him. It is an act of Satan which conceals Mashiach ben Yosef’s attributes, such that the Jews unfortunately do not recognize his footsteps, and in fact scoff at them… If not for this, our troubles would already be over. If Israel “recognized Yosef”, Mashiach ben Yosef’s footsteps comprising the ingathering of the exiles, etc., we would already be completely redeemed.” (Kol HaTor 2:39)

The Gaon of Vilna explains that there is an awareness that is deliberately withheld from Am Yisrael and that the continued suffering of the Jewish Nation is attributed to its not recognizing Mashiach ben Yosef. In order to fully comprehend this lesson, it is necessary to understand the concept of Mashiach ben Yosef. Kol HaTor, the Gaon’s teachings on Mashiach ben Yosef and the age of Redemption, is brought down by his student, Rabbi Hillel of Shklov. In it are found great Torah secrets pertaining to burning questions of modern times. While the idea of Mashiach ben Yosef is rarely discussed in today’s Torah world, it is crucial in recognizing what Am Yisrael is experiencing. In order to identify with these greater awareness, one must learn how the Gaon defines Mashiach ben Yosef.

“According to the Gaon, all the work involved in gathering the exiles, building Jerusalem and broadening the settlement of the Land of Israel so that the Shechina will return to it, all the principles of the work and all the major and minor details are connected to the mission and role of the first Messiah, Mashiach ben Yosef. Mashiach ben Yosef is the miraculous power who will assist every act done when the awakening begins from below, in a natural manner, because he comes from the earth. Mashiach ben David, however, will come from Heaven as revealed by the different aspects of Rachel and Leah, and as known regarding the footsteps of the Mashiach and the revealed end. Mashiach ben Yosef himself is a composite of two aspects: on the one hand, he is Yosef the son of Rachel of the land; on the other hand, he is Yosef son of Yaakov from Heaven. It is therefore incumbent upon us to learn and to understand all the 156 characteristics, appellations, and all aspects and special attributes of Mashiach ben Yosef. These will be a light for our feet and direct us what to do and how, in connection with what lies ahead, with the help of the Redeemer of Israel, may it be speedily in our day.” (Kol HaTor 1:2)

The Vilna Gaon describes the process of Mashiach ben Yosef as the physical building of the Nation in its Land. He describes it as the Divine assistance for the natural process of Redemption that begins through natural awakenings within the Jewish Nation. The first Messiah, Mashiach ben Yosef, is the physical rebuilding of Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael through human endeavor. Mashiach ben David will then be the spiritual force that comes to rest on that already constructed physical receptacle. Like Yosef, who spoke seventy languages and was a great statesman in Egypt, the force of Mashiach ben Yosef represents that which Israel has in common with the nations of the world (physical attributes of statehood). It is the forging of a super body meant to eventually house the super spirit of Mashiach ben David, the holy content that will come to guide this seemingly “secular” vehicle. While the Torah is obviously the source of existence, both the physical and the spiritual strengthening of Israel are crucial to G-D’s plan for the Redemption of mankind.

Because human beings exist in the physical realm, HaShem created man with both a body and soul. Souls are placed into bodies in order that they be revealed and not just remain potential energy. The body is that which enables the spirit to be expressed in this world’s physical reality. The stronger a body is, the greater the expression of the soul which it houses. The goal is that a body be strong and developed to its maximum ability with a healthy spirit to refine, guide and direct it in the service of HaShem. Each force, both physical and spiritual, must be strengthened, developed and enhanced. Neither come to negate the other because the stronger the body, the more significant the spirit is that comes to uplift it.

As with an individual person, the colossal soul that is Clal Yisrael requires a giant national body in order to fully reveal itself in the physical world. Israel’s goal is to unite the physical with the spiritual in order to elevate all of Creation. Clal Yisrael, the eternal soul of the Hebrew Nation, must be infused into a vast physical Kingdom that will live a giant life of twenty four hour-a-day holiness meant to drive this world towards ultimate perfection. The force within Israel that wishes to enhance its physical status (strong army, economy, agriculture, etc.) is the basis for G-D’s Name in this world. Humanity measures the G-D of Israel based on the status of His chosen Nation. Mashiach ben Yosef is the foundation for all the lofty ideals of the Torah in its fullness.

All facets of nationhood and life must be revealed to mankind as sanctified from Above. This can only be achieved by Am Yisrael living and uplifting every sphere of existence as a Kingdom of Priests and Holy Nation in the physical world in which we currently exist. This is the significance of Mashiach ben Yosef. The physical building of the Nation in its Land – even if devoid of Torah and mitzvot – is the first stage of Redemption and the revelation of HaShem’s Oneness in the world. Torah leaders must not allow themselves to be confused by the seemingly secular character of the Nation currently rising to miraculous rebirth. Rather than fight against the State of Israel, they should work to facilitate and guide it on the proper path in order to bring it to its glorious destiny.

The Vilna Gaon warns that the source of Israel’s troubles in the end of days is its not recognizing Mashiach ben Yosef. We must understand and be confident that once the body is securely built, the soul will indeed come to rest upon it. Mashiach ben David will come to uplift and properly direct the physical vehicle of Medinat Yisrael to its true function and purpose as HaShem’s Throne in this world that will expose His Kingship over all of Creation.

With Love of Israel,
-Yehuda HaKohen
Am Segula