I already ‚discussed‘ the Parasha HaShavua today…
Vajigash, the name of the Parasha HaShavua, means something like „He drew near.“ It’s important to recognize that this makes Joseph a human subject—he is no longer the „victim“ of machinations that he passively endures. No, Vajigash is the active role in the events, over which God is at work.
So who led Joseph to Egypt?
If you read the text of the Hebrew Bible, Joseph himself says that it was God. However, if you delve deeper, you’ll notice that God hardly plays an active role in the Parasha. From this, one can deduce that Joseph’s statement was therefore somewhat insufficient. Rather, it requires the active participants, without whom nothing is possible. Joseph’s dreams alone would not have accomplished anything. The brothers, who reacted hatefully to the dreams and sold him into slavery in Egypt, were essential to the story. Joseph repeatedly asserts that the dreams originate from God. However, the origin of the dreams cannot be attributed to God as the primary actor. Rather, upon closer examination, it is a historical meta-level that requires its own interpretation. This interpretation extends far beyond the psychological dimension in connection with the all-too-human events involving Joseph. It allows us to interpret the entire story as purposeful—and this is crucial. Israel must go to Egypt so that liberation from Egypt can occur, and consequently, so can the experience of Sinai, which is a prerequisite for the conquest of the land.
These are not accidental events; the Torah insists that this constitutes the very „purpose“ of Israel.
It can also be translated, Vayigash, as „Then stepped forward.“ The text speaks of Judah: „My lord! Please let us settle something without angering you! When you asked us if we had any relatives in our homeland, we replied that we had a father and a brother, the only one left of his mother. One brother died long ago. And when you learned this, you demanded that we bring this brother of ours to you. Without him, we would receive no grain from you,“ etc.
It is important that at this time there was a shortage of food in the homeland of Israel, and that the brother to be brought was Benjamin.
Jehuda reports that the father, Jacob, was therefore very saddened when he heard this demand, for he was the only son remaining in Israel.
The father, Jacob, was therefore very saddened when he heard this demand. For he was the only son left in Israel.
The father, Jacob, was therefore very saddened when he heard this demand. It is important to note that Benjamin is Joseph’s brother—one could also interpret Benjamin as being, in truth, a part of Joseph himself, yearning for reconciliation. Therefore, Jacob himself sets out for Egypt!
It is crucial to take Jacob’s fears seriously that the influence of a foreign environment would be detrimental to everyone. Therefore, he commissions his son Judah to establish a Torah academy, a yeshiva, there, so that the children and grandchildren of Israel can receive an education.
Thus, everything comes full circle, and Joseph and all his brothers are reconciled. That Jacob places such high value on Torah education—and this must be emphasized again—is an act of prayer. For it is a divine commandment to say twice in the daily Shema prayer, every morning and evening:
„And you shall instruct your children.“
Shavua Tov!
Words and Passion 