אֲלֵיכֶ֣ם אִישִׁ֣ים אֶקְרָ֑א וְ֝קוֹלִ֗י אֶל־בְּנֵ֥י אָדָֽם׃
צו אײַך, מענער, רוף איך, און מײַן קָול איז צו די מענטשנקינדער.
Vayikra Rabbah
“The elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bull before the Lord and one shall slaughter the bull before the Lord” (Leviticus 4:15).
“The elders of the congregation shall lay their hands.” Rabbi Yitzḥak said: The nations of the world have no supporters, as it is stated: “The supporters of Egypt will fall” (Ezekiel 30:6). Israel has supporters [somekhin], as it is stated: “The elders of the congregation shall lay [vesamekhu] [their hands].”23The phrase is understood to mean the elders of the congregation shall serve as support for the congregation. The nations of the world are called “congregation,” as it is stated: “For the congregation of the hypocrite will be desolate” (Job 15:34). Israel is called congregation, as it is stated: “The elders of the congregation shall lay [their hands].” The nations of the world are called abirim, as it is stated: “The herd of cavalry horses [abirim] going among the calves of the people” (Psalms 68:31). Israel is called abirim, “Hear Me, hard-hearted ones [abirei lev]” (Isaiah 46:12). The nations of the world are called adirim, “it and the daughters of mighty [adirim] nations” (Ezekiel 32:18). Israel is called adirim, “and the majestic ones [ve’adirei], all my wishes are with them” (Psalms 16:3). The nations of the world are called wise, “I will eliminate the wise from Edom” (Obadiah 1:8). Israel is called wise, “The wise store knowledge” (Proverbs 10:14). The nations of the world are called blameless, “and the blameless, like those descending into the pit” (Proverbs 1:12). Israel is called blameless, “and the blameless will inherit goodness” (Proverbs 28:10). The nations of the world are called righteous, “Righteous men, they will judge them” (Ezekiel 23:45). Israel is called righteous, “Your people are all righteous” (Isaiah 60:21). The nations of the world are called men, “men who are evildoers” (Psalms 141:4). Israel is called men, “men, I call to you” (Proverbs 8:4). The nations of the world are called mighty, “why do you boast of evil, mighty one” (Psalms 52:3). Israel is called mighty, “mighty in strength, performers of His bidding” (Psalms 103:20).
“The elders of the congregation shall lay their hands.” Rabbi Yitzḥak said: The nations of the world have no supporters, as it is stated: “The supporters of Egypt will fall” (Ezekiel 30:6). Israel has supporters [somekhin], as it is stated: “The elders of the congregation shall lay [vesamekhu] [their hands].”23The phrase is understood to mean the elders of the congregation shall serve as support for the congregation. The nations of the world are called “congregation,” as it is stated: “For the congregation of the hypocrite will be desolate” (Job 15:34). Israel is called congregation, as it is stated: “The elders of the congregation shall lay [their hands].” The nations of the world are called abirim, as it is stated: “The herd of cavalry horses [abirim] going among the calves of the people” (Psalms 68:31). Israel is called abirim, “Hear Me, hard-hearted ones [abirei lev]” (Isaiah 46:12). The nations of the world are called adirim, “it and the daughters of mighty [adirim] nations” (Ezekiel 32:18). Israel is called adirim, “and the majestic ones [ve’adirei], all my wishes are with them” (Psalms 16:3). The nations of the world are called wise, “I will eliminate the wise from Edom” (Obadiah 1:8). Israel is called wise, “The wise store knowledge” (Proverbs 10:14). The nations of the world are called blameless, “and the blameless, like those descending into the pit” (Proverbs 1:12). Israel is called blameless, “and the blameless will inherit goodness” (Proverbs 28:10). The nations of the world are called righteous, “Righteous men, they will judge them” (Ezekiel 23:45). Israel is called righteous, “Your people are all righteous” (Isaiah 60:21). The nations of the world are called men, “men who are evildoers” (Psalms 141:4). Israel is called men, “men, I call to you” (Proverbs 8:4). The nations of the world are called mighty, “why do you boast of evil, mighty one” (Psalms 52:3). Israel is called mighty, “mighty in strength, performers of His bidding” (Psalms 103:20).
Ein Yaakov (Glick Edition)
(Fol. 71) I will walk before the Lord in the lands of the living (Ps. 116, 9). R, Juda said: "This refers to the market-places [where food is purchased]." (Prov. 3, 2) For length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add for thee. Are there then years of life, and years not of life? R. Elazar said: "These refer to the years of man when his circumstances change from bad to good." (Ib. 8, 4:) Unto you, O men, I call. R. Brachiya said: "This refers to scholars, who are weak like women who sit in humbleness and perform feats as men do." R. Brachiya also said: "He who wishes to [be credited as though he would] bring a drink-offering on the altar, should let scholars drink [of his] wine." R. Brachiya said also: "When a man observes that learning ceases from his sons, he should marry a scholar's daughter, for it is said (Job 14, 8-9) If even its root (Ib. b) become old in the earth, and its stock die in the dust, yet through the scent of water will it flourish again, and produce boughs as though it were newly planted."