Finding Our Courage

Vayigash

Genesis 44:18 - 48:27

Précis: We approach the end of the Joseph saga. 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 upcoming 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, making serfs of the Egyptian people, in exchange for the grain stored during the seven years of plenty. The Israelites prosper and multiply.

Gen. 46:33-34 “And it will happen that when you see Pharaoh, he will ask ‘What is your occupation?’ And you will say, ‘Your servants are keepers of cattle from our youth until the present, as have been our fathers’…for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

                We reach the dramatic apogee of the story of Joseph and his brothers with this week’s reading. All at last seems well between Joseph and his family and for the future of the clan in Egypt. And then, Joseph tells his brothers not to tell Pharaoh what their true profession is (shepherds, because, allegedly, shepherds are detested by Egyptians).  Nevertheless, when the brothers actually encounter the Ruler of Egypt, they explain that they are indeed shepherds.  Pharaoh not only fails to reject them, but actually offers to hire them to look after his own flocks.

               Why first did Joseph suggest that his brothers withhold the truth from Pharaoh about the source of their livelihood? Was he afraid of the embarrassment that a “noble Egyptian” would face when it became known that his brothers were simple shepherds? Was he a bit less secure in his position than we might have assumed? Whatever motivated Joseph’s suggestion, the brothers ignored it. They tell Pharaoh that they are shepherds and are assigned the best pastures in the land. Joseph’s potential concerns are revealed to be without merit.

               This lack of certainty about one’s status has been a common feature of Jewish identity in the Diaspora. Jews have almost always felt insecure; at those times when they felt most secure, the results were often horrendous. Even in the enlightened United States of the 21st century, we remain acutely sensitive to indications of anti-Semitism. Joseph dealt with his fears by securing land and opportunity for his family. We can deal with our own doubts by supporting the State of Israel and those organizations which remain vigilant against the curse of anti-Semitism. We can never be really safe, but we can be secure in our ability to fight the lies and injustice levelled against us.