D'var for Vayigash

This week's D'var was written by Ben Herzberg.


This week’s Parsha is Vayigash. Last week, Jacob's sons went to egypt in search of food because there was a famine. And Joseph upon recognizing them sets out to punish them, as they do not recognize him. He does this by tricking them into thinking that Benjamin (the youngest) stole for the Egyptians and so Benjamin must stay with him until their father, Jacob, comes. He does this because they sold him into slavery when they were younger. This week the Brothers ask Jacob to be kind and let their Benjamin go. Joseph upon seeing their loyalty to one another reveals to them that it is he, their brother. He tells them not to fret for it was not their fault that he is in Egypt, but rather that G-d sent him there for a reason, as he has been able to prevent the famine in Egypt. He tells them that they can come and live with him in Egypt. The brothers immediately rush back to their home to tell Jacob who still believes that his son is dead. Jacob and his entire family then travel to Egypt. For what Joseph has does for Egypt by preventing the famine pharaoh gave Joseph and his family a fertile plot of land to live on.

Jacob forgave his brothers even though they sold him into slavery, he forgives them because he sees that they are now loyal to each other, something that they weren’t when he left. They have changed for the better, so he gave them a second chance. Second chances are important as people learn from their mistakes and if we do not give them a second chance to prove themselves they will never be able to show that they have changed. And for his kindness Joseph is rewarded by being reunited with his entire family.