Dec. 27, 2023

Inheriting Wisdom Through Yaakov's Farewell: Reflecting on the Balance of Diligence and Patience

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Season 6

Discover the profound impact of our ancestors' wisdom as we walk alongside Yaakov in his final, reflective moments. Our journey through the rich tapestry of heritage concludes, leaving us at the precipice of a new era for the nation of Israel. Yaakov's poignant blessings to his sons, laden with prophecy and insight, offer us a treasure trove of life lessons, mainly through the complexities of Reuven's narrative—a stark remembrance of potential lost to the winds of hastiness.

Feel the weight of history as we explore the delicate balance between swift action and the perils of impulsive decisions. The episode dissects the fine line between 'Zarezos'—the virtue of thoughtful diligence—and the reckless abandon of acting without consideration, as exemplified by Reuven. As we contemplate his story, we reflect on the importance of patience and intention in our lives, acknowledging the timeless wisdom that continues to guide us through modern challenges. Join us for this compelling episode as we honor the legacies that shape our present and inform our future.

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Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com



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This is the final chapter, where it all ends, a story that really began back in Parashasperaceous, with, well, the very beginning, the beginning of time that now we are putting the finishing touches on it, tying a bow, parashasvayichi, that will be the concluding of the Ovos and the transitioning, the changing of the guard into the Shvotim, into a clallious thrall, a nation of Israel.

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But the mood is somber.

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Yaakov of Vino is lying weak on his deathbed and he says Gather my children, gather my sons, assemble yourselves and I will give you prophetic blessings and foretell your futures.

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And first comes first Ruvane, a very beautiful foretelling of his blessings.

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You are my firstborn, you are my strength, you are my initial vigor, foremost in rank, you are Ruvane.

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But then the blessings take a very sharp left turn.

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But, ruvane, with water-like impetuosity, you have acted and you cannot be foremost referencing old past misdeeds.

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Yaakov stripped him, or foretold, of a stripping of his rank.

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Ruvane squandered his big opportunity, all of his milos, because of the attribute of impetuosity, impetuousness, acting quickly, brazenly, without a thought and without care.

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It is very different in nature from Zareza's alacrity, which seems to give off the notion of acting quickly with thought.

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But the muscer, the blessing, the telling of the truth was that Ruvane lost it all because he acted with haste.

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And it's startling.

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The Torah gives us a clear mushel, a parable of how to see impetuosity, impetuousness.

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And he says they're pachas.

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You acted hastily, like water.

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For if you've seen a cup of water on the table, surely you have.

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Even if somebody walks past the table and shakes the table on the slightest bit, the water will already go sloshing about from side to side.

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It isn't stapled down, but it's constantly bouncing without any sort of anchor.

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Impetuousness.

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So today we take a second to dwell on the importance of acting with sechel, going about things methodically, not rushing into things, but instead acting with Zarezos.

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And while it may be very important, your initiative, recall even Valhazan.

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Yeshiva was delayed for a year when he asked his rabbi.

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Rabbi Valhazan asked the villan ago should I open the Yeshiva?

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And he said wait, wait, one year.

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This is perhaps the most damning meadah of them all.

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If you want to have a muster exercise, perhaps we will conclude.

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If you ever select a song, you already know how hard it is to listen to the very end.

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Well, don't be, pachas kamaim, wait until a song finishes.

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Struggle through that whole song, even through the second chorus and only once it ends.

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When you've worked on patience, on acting with thought and care, well then you go on to the next one.

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God forbid, don't act impetuously, for it can God forbid, lead someone to squander all of his blessings.