Parshat Vayyigash; Genesis 44:18-47:27 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger

I believe our portion is not only the climax of the Joseph story when Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, but I believe it is the climax of the book of Genesis.

The Joseph story, which has been going on for the past two weeks, takes it dramatic turn at the beginning of the portion. It opens with a special speech by Joseph’s brother Judah. Judah was the brother who two portions ago, urged the other brothers to sell Joseph into slavery rather than murder him (Gen. 37:27) and now he speaks to his Joseph, although he does not yet know this great “Egyptian” is his brother. Judah pleads with Joseph for the youngest brother, Benjamin, whom Joseph set-up. Joseph tried to keep his younger brother with him by planting “stolen goods” in his pack and then his guards after Benjamin and his brothers as they returned to get father, Jacob. Joseph’s scheme is constructed in such a way as to create a dilemma for the brothers. Do they defend the youngest brother Benjamin? Or abandon him as they had abandon Joseph so long ago?

Judah’s speech however, shows how the dynamic has changed from so long ago. Judah’s eloquent speech lay out their dilemma in leaving Benjamin in Egypt, as Joseph demands and returning without him to their father, or not returning with food for their father. But the passion of his speech moves Joseph to speak out. Judah refers to his father, Jacob many times in his speech and one can almost feel Joseph’s emotions rising in him as he imagines his beloved father, Jacob alone, old and grieving.

So much so that the text tells us that Joseph can no longer control himself (45:1).
And once the servants have withdrawn from the room, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. He cries so loudly that Egyptians could hear it and the Torah says, “the news reached Pharaoh’s palace. (45:2).

This reconciliation of brothers, brothers who have grown and changed in the ensuing years is an amazing story of love, family ties and yes, forgiveness. Joseph must forgive his brothers’ act of selling him into slavery. The brothers must forgive Joseph for his behavior so long ago, and for his toying with them while in Egypt now. And most of all the brothers’ must find a way to forgive themselves—and what they have done to their family and their father.

This confrontation with many different aspects of forgiveness propels our story and indeed much of the book of Genesis. Father Jacob had to deal with this very issue when he was faced with confronting his brother Esau. Isaac had to deal with this issue with his brother Ishmael and with his father Abraham who bound him to the altar. Noah had to deal with this issue with his sons. And certainly what about Cain and Abel and their parents Adam and Eve? Do they forgive their son for murdering their other son?

And what of God? Does God forgive us for our actions, our mistakes, our missteps? And what of us? Do we forgive God?

Forgiveness and reconciliation this is the great theme of the book of Genesis. Joseph’s story reminds us that we all can change and grow through time and faith thus allowing for the possibility of reconciliation with those who harmed us and ultimately allowing for the possibility of true forgiveness. It is a lesson we all could learn.

Posted by Lee at December 14, 2004 02:05 PM