Breaking False identities
עֶבֶד-מַשְׂכִּיל--יִמְשֹׁל, בְּבֵן מֵבִישׁ; וּבְתוֹךְ אַחִים, יַחֲלֹק נַחֲלָה.
The pasuk tells you that you should evaluate any identity imposed on you to see whether it is real and whether you can overcome it. In this pasuk, the slave does not let his societal status and identity as a slave hold him back, and uses his mind to gain a part in the inheritance. On the other hand, the embarrassing son is caught up in his identity as a son who is the rightful heir, and ends up losing the inheritance due to the “embarrassing” nature of his action. This can be partially attributed to his foolish security in that imposed identity.
here is an alternate summary written by my chavruta
The Confines of Identity
Never allow your identity to dictate your destiny. Strive to see past the labels you impose upon yourself, or which are imposed upon you by society. Consult your mind to determine your true strengths and weaknesses, and your potential for both success and failure. Even a lowly but intelligent slave can earn his stake in the family estate, whereas the title of "son" will provide no guarantee for the lazy bum.
The pasuk tells you that you should evaluate any identity imposed on you to see whether it is real and whether you can overcome it. In this pasuk, the slave does not let his societal status and identity as a slave hold him back, and uses his mind to gain a part in the inheritance. On the other hand, the embarrassing son is caught up in his identity as a son who is the rightful heir, and ends up losing the inheritance due to the “embarrassing” nature of his action. This can be partially attributed to his foolish security in that imposed identity.
here is an alternate summary written by my chavruta
The Confines of Identity
Never allow your identity to dictate your destiny. Strive to see past the labels you impose upon yourself, or which are imposed upon you by society. Consult your mind to determine your true strengths and weaknesses, and your potential for both success and failure. Even a lowly but intelligent slave can earn his stake in the family estate, whereas the title of "son" will provide no guarantee for the lazy bum.
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