Two Minute Torah Podcast

Vayigash 5770 by Jeremy Fine

Shalom, my name is Jeremy Fine, a third year Rabbinical Student at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York. Welcome to KOACH's Two-Minute Torah; a project of the College Department of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Quickly let us look at where we are in the Joseph story. Joseph who was thrown into a pit, sold, and pronounced dead by his brothers is now second in command in Egypt behind Pharaoh. His brothers, who clearly aren't his biggest fans, approach a powerful man, not knowing it was Joseph and beg for help. Joseph takes them in and eventually plays a prank on his brothers by placing a silver cup in, the youngest son, Benjamin's bag. Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, was on the verge of being taken away by Joseph.

Now this week's parsha Vayigash begins with one of Benjamin's brothers, Judah, standing up and pleading Joseph not to take Benjamin. Judah says, "If you please my Lord, may your servant speak a word in my lord's ears and let not your anger flare up at your servant — for you are like Pharaoh."

Then Joseph and his brothers discuss their situation, which eventually leads Joseph to reveal himself as their brother.

Rashi believes that Judah was ready to speak harshly towards Joseph and Sforno said that Judah meant to say "Do not be angry when I imply that you forced us into this predicament"

Both commentators felt that Judah stood up strong and fought for Benjamin.

I think there is a great lesson to be learned from Judah's actions and words. That sometimes we need to stand up for what we believe in and who we love even against the greatest of challenges or challengers. And when we do fight for those specific issues and people, we should be gracious like Judah who refers to Joseph as "My Lord" but also, like the commentators mention, to be firm and aggressive in what we are asking for.

Shabbat Shalom.