 The death of Yaakov Avinu marked a crucial turning point in Jewish history. The period of the patriarchs and matriarchs was over and it would be many years before the Jewish people would return to the land of Israel. Though Yosef lived for over fifty years after his father's death the Torah spends very few verses detailing these years. In fact the few verses we do have are just the "aftershocks" of Yaakov's demise. There is no mention of Yosef's role in Egyptian society nor any indication that he retained his powerful position. In fact Rashi tells us that with the death of Yaakov (not Yosef) the eyes and hearts of the Jewish people "were closed" from the pain and suffering and the Egyptian subjugation. Thus eight verses into S efer Shmot we read "a new king who did not know Joseph, came into power over Egypt." The heroics of Yosef were expunged from the Egyptian history books. Nationalism replaced truth in the school curriculum. What followed was a series of decrees beginning with taxation of the foreigners (read Jews) culminating in the decree to exterminate all newborn Jewish males. What was at the root of this government sanctioned anti-Semitism? Did the Egyptians truly feel that their lot would be improved if they subjugated others? Was their fear that "the Israelites are becoming too numerous and strong for us" (1:9) realistic? Did they truly think, "if there is a war they will join our enemies" (1:10)?
Our Sages teach us that anti-Semitism is part of the natural order of the world. While we can do our best to educate people about its dangers and its falsehood it is like a malignant tumour that can at best be controlled, but never eradicated. "The law is that Eisav hates Jacob " our Sages sadly proclaim. In fact the Talmud teaches that Sinai, the focus of Sefer Shmot and creation, is a play on the word Sinah , hatred. It was at Sinai where we were ordered to bring the concept of ethical monotheism to the world, where we were taught that values are not relative and G-d not man, is the centre of creation. Sinai teaches that more important than our rights are our obligations. No wonder Sinai was the root of Sinah.
This tragic fact of life is something we forget at our own peril. Yet our actions can have a profound affect on the manifestations of anti-Semitism. Thus in addition to its moral imperative there is a practical benefit for Jews to be loyal, law abiding citizens of their chosen country. Paradoxically, our sages teach and history has born out that the more we try to assimilate the more anti-Semitism rears its ugly head. While this may be a punishment from G-d it can easily be explained based on human psychology. As long as we demonstrate that we have a unique way of life we are not perceived as a threat to the host country. However as we imitate the ways of the gentiles and try to become one of them the resentment and fear surfaces. We really can not be who we are not.
"The Israelites were fertile and prolific and their population increased. They became so numerous that the land was filled with them" (1:7). While this verse sounds innocent enough the Netziv (who felt the official policy of 19 th century Russian anti-Semitism first hand) says it is no coincidence that this verse is followed by a new king arose who did not know Joseph. Everywhere the Egyptians went they saw a Jewish presence and Jewish control. The land was filled with them. They are taking over our country the Egyptians exclaimed. As long as the Jews settled in Goshen and lived their distinct lives all was fine. But the Jewish people were not content to do that. Instead they stopped practicing the rite of circumcision, the symbol of our covenant with G-d, and said in the words of our Sages "let us be like the Egyptians." Well, no matter how hard you try, a Jew can not be an Egyptian. The more the Jews tried the more they were d.
The Jewish people were chosen for a special mission. While we must be loyal members of our Diaspora communities we must never hide the fact that we are devoted Jews. While this line is often a very difficult one to navigate, by successfully managing it we can help bring the day closer when all will be united in the service of G-d. Shabbat Shalom!
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