My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) -- Vayigash (3)
Posted by Daniel M. Kimmel on December 24, 2009 | Tags: Vayigash
Parshah Va-Yiggash contains Joseph's dramatic revelation to his brothers and his emotional reunion with his father Jacob, but there's an interesting lesson to be had in between. Pharaoh has told Joseph to invite his entire family to settle in Egypt and promises they will be well treated. Joseph provides them with provisions for the journey to Canaan and back. "As he sent his brothers off on their way, he told them, 'Do not be quarrelsome on the way.'" (Gen. 45:24) His brothers did him a grievous wrong, he's gotten his revenge by toying with them, and now he's willing to move ahead. His brothers aren't really in a position to be angry with him, but on that journey back they will have plenty of time to accuse each other of responsibility for their actions. Joseph, in effect, tells them to knock it off. There are times when it's proper to dwell on the past and there are times when we need to focus on the future. Joseph clearly feels its time to look ahead.
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Daniel M. KimmelJoined: October 2, 2007 Daniel M. Kimmel is a Boston area film critic, lecturer and author. He does these weekly mini-lessons for the Mishkan Tefila Brotherhood's newsletter. You are free to use them for similar purposes. Divrei Torah (117) |
