The Possibility of Reconciliation

Vayigash

Genesis 44:18 - 48:27

Précis: We approach the end of the extended tale of Joseph. Benjamin is being held by Joseph as the alleged thief of a gold cup. Judah comes near (vayigash) Joseph, and begs for his brother’s life, offering himself as a substitute. Joseph is overcome and reveals himself to his brothers, forgiving them for selling him into slavery, stating that it was all part of God’s plan. Joseph sends them back home to bring Jacob and their families down to Egypt in order to survive the famine. They comply, and Joseph arranges for them to reside in the land of Goshen, living off “the fat of the land” at Pharaoh’s insistence. During the remainder of the famine, Joseph purchases land and cattle for Pharaoh, even making the Egyptians serfs to Pharaoh, in exchange for the grain stored during the seven years of plenty. The Israelites prosper and multiply.

Genesis 45:4 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!’”

Joseph reveals himself to his brothers in this incredibly dramatic and moving scene. From a literary perspective, there is a wonderful bookmarking of the word “brother”. In the very beginning of the Joseph story, when sent by his father to find his brothers, Joseph encountered a “a man” to whom he said, "I am seeking my brothers" (Gen. 37:16).

When Joseph looked for his brothers at the outset, his simple statement might have been viewed as merely a request for directions or information. In light of the rest of the story, however, we can infer that Joseph’s quest was really one seeking reconciliation with brothers, from whom he had already been estranged on account of his father's favoritism. Now, at the end of the story, when Judah volunteers to take the place of Benjamin, Judah demonstrates that he understands what it means to be a “brother’s keeper.” Reconciliation, hinted at the outset, now becomes a reality at the story’s dramatic denouement.

I draw a lesson of the importance of interpersonal, familial, and even national reconciliation. Those who know us best (our family or closest friends) have the greatest ability to inflict the most hurtful pain. They know the buttons to push. The Joseph story tells us that even in the face of the most terrible actions, families have the ability to overcome pain and regain lost love. Seen from this point of view, the story of Joseph becomes a commentary on the potential for renewal, reconciliation, and reemergence of love between people. Since this is a weekend for making secular New Year's Resolutions, let me suggest that we resolve to overcome interpersonal issues we face and hold up Joseph as our role model. Shabbat Shalom and Happy New Year.