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

This week’s dramatic Torah portion recalls Joseph’s grand revelation. His brothers had come to Egypt to escape the famine and plead with the great vizier of Egypt for food. Although Joseph does not reveal his true identity right away and even toys with them a bit, he can no longer stand the deception and the secret. This is the week we read of the moment when Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.

“I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” (Gen 45:3). In his simple statement Joseph is transported back to his family of origin. He had built a tremendous life in Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh. He brought himself up from slavery and prison to the heights and glory of the royal courts of Egypt. (A hint of Moses’ life yet to come.) But in that moment of revelation, one can hear the longing to be part of his family of origin and a longing for his father. Remember at one time, Joseph was his father’s favored son. His father doted on him, relied on him, and lavished him with special gifts including the many colored tunic! Although Joseph had adopted Egyptian ways, an Egyptian name, acquired an Egyptian wife—Joseph was still a Hebrew. He knew his roots. He kept his connection to his God alive even in the midst of the grandeur of his life in Egypt. Even the Pharaoh on many occasions noted that Joseph was filled with the spirit and wisdom of his God!

And now face to face with his brothers and the power to wreck havoc upon their lives and seek revenge against them for their acts of cruelty toward him so many years ago, Joseph reveals his true identity and embraces his brothers. This moment of truth, this powerful instance of reunion speaks to the nature of Joseph’s inner character. He could have really meted out his form of justice in acts of retribution. As last week’s parasha ended Joseph does test his brothers’ capacity for truth and sincerity with a bit of a trial that would keep his full brother Benjamin close to Joseph.

This week’s portion opens with Judah’s eloquent and respectful intervention that pleads for his youngest brother’s life. Judah who had sold Joseph into slavery once so long ago, now pleads to keep the youngest brother free and alive. We can imagine that in that speech, in Judah’s plea that Joseph realizes they all have changed, including the brothers. They all have grown and matured. It seems at least the brothers have learned something from their mistakes so long ago. Judah is willing to put himself in place of his younger brother.

Joseph’s bond with his brothers is profound. The damage of the initial act of selling young Joseph into slavery is put into perspective by Joseph himself with his words of revelation to his brothers. “And now be not distressed, nor reproach yourselves for having sold me here, for it was to be a provider that God sent me ahead of you.” (Gen. 45:5).

Posted by Lee at December 26, 2006 09:26 AM