Yaakov Reunites with Yosef

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1. Ramban

   Part 3

   Dr. Avigail Rock

   Additional characteristics of the Ramban’s commentary on the Torah:

   The Secret Torah — “Al Derekh Ha-Emet”

   When the Ramban prefaces an explanation with these words, his intent is to cite a commentary based on sod (literally, secret), the hidden, mystical elements of Jewish tradition. His Kabbalistic commentaries cannot be understood by a reader unschooled in fundamental Kabbalistic concepts.

   Citation and Incorporation in the Commentary of the Ramban

   Psychological Sensitivity

   The Ramban explains the verses using an analysis of the motivations of the dominant personalities, based on his reasoned assessment of the characters and the situations in which they find themselves.

   Serus Ha-Mikra

   Another exegetical tool employed by the Ramban in his commentary is serus ha-mikra, the inversion or transposition of the verse. Sometimes, in order to understand the intent of the verse, one should read it as if the sequence of the words is different.

   Abbreviation and Elaboration

   When there is a certain lack of correlation between the initial description of an event and the later recapitulation of the same event, the Ramban explains the lack of correlation using the following rule: “It is the way of the verses to abbreviate it in one place and to elaborate in another place.”

   There is no doubt that the Ramban is one of the most influential figures in terms of shaping the world of biblical exegesis and the Jewish worldview generally.

2. Ramban on Vayechi: BeCharvi u-veKashti - With My Sword and Bow

   Rabbi Ezra Bick | 33 minutes

   We will examine Ramban’s comments to the verse about the special grant from Yaakov to Yosef. Is this grant referring to the city of Shechem, or to an extra portion in general? And why does Yaakov describe himself as having taken it with his sword and bow, especially when Yaakov had been very angry at his sons for using the sword against Shechem?  Is the sword and bow literal, metaphorical or both?

   Ramban assumes that Yaakov refers to a double portion for Yosef - and that the reference to the sword is a hint to the future of Bnei Yisrael for when they conquer the Land. The Land of Israel must be conquered naturally, but with the help God, Who remembers the merit of the forefathers.