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Who actually sold Yosef, and why does the Torah (תורה) describe so many merchants—Ishmaelim, Midyanim, and Midonim? The shiur methodically works through the confusing pesukim in Vayeishev, developing a pshat that the brothers sold Yosef to the Ishmaelim, who were importers dealing with Midyanim wholesalers, who in turn dealt with Midonim retailers in Egypt. The complex chain reveals the brothers' intent to ensure Yosef would reach Egypt and never return.
This shiur tackles one of the most challenging textual puzzles in Parshas Vayeishev: the sale of Yosef. Rabbi Zweig begins by noting that properly understanding a Torah (תורה) passage requires asking the right questions—"Sheilas chacham chatzi teshuvah." The shiur methodically examines each detail of the sale narrative to understand what actually transpired. The shiur begins with the brothers stripping Yosef of his garment and his ketonet pasim (37:23). Rashi (רש"י) distinguishes between "kutonto" (his garment) and "ketonet pasim" (the special garment) as two separate items. The shiur explores the meaning of "pas," which literally means palm of the hand, suggesting the ketonet extended to or was worn on the wrist area—like a sleeve extending to the pas hayad. Drawing on the expression "to wear something on your sleeve" and the symbolism of an open hand (pisah yad) representing giving, Rabbi Zweig suggests the ketonet pasim symbolized malchut (kingship), specifically a kingship characterized by giving. This is why Yaakov gave it to Yosef—he was designating him as the king among the brothers, and Yosef indeed becomes a melech in Egypt, fulfilling his dreams.
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Bereishis 37:23-36 (Parshas Vayeishev)
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