A lack of certainty

Vayigash

Gen. 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 conclusion of Joseph’s story. Finally, all seems well between Joseph and his family and for the future of the clan in Egypt. But then this verse raises a question when Joseph tells his brothers not to tell Pharaoh their true profession (shepherds, because, allegedly, shepherds are detested by Egyptians).  But when presented to Pharaoh, they indeed state that they are shepherds. Pharaoh not only fails to reject them, but actually offers to hire them to look after his own flocks.

               Why did Joseph suggest that his brothers withhold the truth? 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 some of those times when they felt most secure, the results were horrendous. Just a few years ago, we assumed that we lived in safety and security in America. But the rising tide of anti-Semitism, from vandalism to vile speech to deadly attacks, has indeed happened here.

            Joseph dealt with his fears by securing land and opportunity for his family. We can deal with our own doubts by speaking out and supporting those organizations which remain vigilant against the curse of anti-Semitism. We can never be totally safe, but we can protect and maintain our ability to fight the lies, threats, injustice and violence leveled against us.

Kindness

Mikketz

Gen. 41:1-44:17

Précis: At the end (mikketz) of two years of Joseph’s imprisonment, Pharaoh dreams of cows and ears of corn. The butler who had shared Joseph’s cell now remembers him and calls him from prison. Joseph predicts seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh is so impressed that he appoints Joseph as his chief vizier and Joseph goes about storing grain during the times of plenty.

            Joseph marries Asenath and they have two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. When the famine comes, Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to purchase food. Joseph has them brought in while he remains in cognito. He accuses the brothers of spying, and sends them home after they leave one brother hostage and promise to return with their youngest brother, Benjamin. Upon their return, the brothers (including Benjamin) meet the still-unrevealed Joseph. Joseph has their bags filled not only with grain but also with the money used to purchase the grain and has a gold cup hidden in Benjamin’s belongings. When they are “caught” by Joseph’s men, they learn that whoever stole the cup would become Joseph’s slave, while the others return to their homeland. On this cliffhanger, the parasha ends.

Gen. 42:23-24 “They did not know that Joseph understood, for there was an interpreter between him and them. He turned away from them and wept.”

            Mel Brooks’ great character, The 2000 Year Old Man, upon being asked if he had had any children, replied “Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds. And they never call, they don’t stop by, they never write.” Joseph’s story always leaves me wondering why it was that Joseph never contacted his father upon his ascension to the highest level of political power in Egypt. I came across one possible explanation.

            Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev (1740-1810) teaches that Joseph’s silence is actually a sign of his righteousness.  He realized that sending word to his father would ruin the relationship between his brothers and their father. Similarly, in the verse quoted, he remains unrevealed because he realized that it would be humiliating his brothers if they learned that he had risen to power over them, despite their cruel treatment. The apparent coldness was actually a kindness.

            With the recent passing of President George H.W. Bush, we have lost an American leader whose kindness was, in retrospect, quite remarkable. He spoke, of course, about America being composed of “a thousand points of light.” I hope that the example of Joseph in our text and President Bush in our American story will remind us during this week of Chanukah of the importance of bringing more light and kindness to others.