Joseph – holy scribbles

parasha Vayechi 5784

“Although you intended me harm, G-d intended it for good.”

– Genesis 50:20, JPSN

Joseph recognized the divine nature of the events that led to his ascendency to becoming the viceroy of Egypt. It was solely G-d’s guidance of events that brought something good out of what appeared to be evil. His brother’s jealousy toward him, served as a catalyst to set events in motion that brought Joseph to Egypt. So, he could not judge them, nor feel resentment toward them, because there was a higher plan working through the actions that they took against him twenty-two years prior to their moving to Egypt to receive G-d’s providence in the land of Goshen.

The famine compelled them, at the behest of their father Jacob to seek rations in Egypt. Yet, H’Shem provided for them, in a manner beyond their expectations, for the entire famine. This shows that G-d always has in mind what is best for us, despite our flaws. He will bring about a way for us to realize our faults, and turn toward Him, in the spirit of teshuvah (repentance). And, He will forgive us for our wrong-doings.

In like manner that Joseph forgave his brothers, we can be assured of HaShem’s forgiveness, when we humble ourselves before Him, in acknowledgment of our sins. Oseph, who suffered at the hands of his brothers forgave them. And the L-RD, Who is grieved by our unruly natures and obstinacy will forgive us as well, when we make a sincere repentance.

We must change our lives, day by day, growing closer to G-d, through our awareness of our shortcomings, and the mending of our souls. This is tikkun hanefesh – the repair of the soul. Our path leads us toward the righteousness, that can only be acquired in tandem with G-d’s help. If we cooperate with His will for us, He will draw us ever closer to Him.

Divine Orchestration

weekly Torah reading: parasha Vayigash 5784 – Divine Orchestration

“And he fell upon his brethren, and wept upon them; and after his brethren talked with him.” – Genesis 45:15

One can only imagine the conversations that ensued, after Joseph had revealed himself to his brothers. Twenty-to years had passed, since Joseph had been thrown into a pit, and sold to traders passing by Shechem, where his brothers conspired against him. Yet, he explained, after revealing his true identity, “be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here; for G-d did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). Therefore, upon reconciling himself to his brothers, Joseph acknowledged the divine guidance of the L-RD, Who arranged Joseph’s descent into Egypt, and subsequent ascent to the viceroy of Egypt for a higher purpose.

All things work for the good, according to the divine guidance of G-d’s master blueprint. It is only that for the most part, the suffering that may occur along the way obscures our understanding of the plan. For Joseph and his brothers, only after a little more than two decades, were the events that were set in motion so many years ago, reach fruition as the fulfillment of Joseph’s dreams, according to G-d’s wisdom. Therefore, we would do best to reserve our own critique of the events in our lives, when they do not seem to be going according to our plan; and hope that if we subjugate our will to His will, it will all work out for the best.

Whatever conversation that may have ensued, after Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, was not the typical “catching up,” so to speak, of brethren who have not seen each other for years. I would like to imagine that the conversation was focused on what the L-RD did through his own hasgacha peratis (divine guidance), to bring about the desired end, for the sake of Joseph’s entire family, that they would be preserved through the worst years of the famine and provided for in the land of Goshen. Joseph further explains to his brothers, “it was not you who sent me here, but G-d” (Genesis 45:8). Thus, Joseph acknowledges the divine footprint of G-d, who was the One Who orchestrated these events. Whatever role his brothers played in that divine orchestra, were negligible, when compared to the role of the Divine Composer.

Perspective

“When Joseph saw.” – Genesis 48:17

When the time arrived for Jacob to give his blessings to his children, he began by blessing his two grandchildren, Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Because his father’s eyesight was dim, Joseph specifically arranged the children for the blessings: Manasseh, the older son, he placed toward Jacob’s right hand; the younger son, Ephraim, he placed toward Jacob’s left hand. He intended that the primacy is given through the right hand to the older son as would be the custom; however, Jacob changed his hands, placing his right hand on the head of Ephraim, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh.

“When Joseph saw” this rearrangement, he was displeased, and said, “Not so, my father, for this is the first-born; put thy right hand upon his head” (Genesis 48:18). Yet, his father explained, “‘I know it, my son, I know it; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; howbeit his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations’” (Genesis 48:19). Moreover, he established the tradition that Israel shall bless their children “saying: G-d make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh” (Genesis 48:20).

At that moment, Jacob was given prophetic insight: he foresaw the greatness of the descendants of the younger brother Ephraim. And, so, aided by the power of the Ruach HaKodesh, he was able to see beyond the expected scenario. Additionally, by instituting the blessings given to Jewish children, he has empowered us to accept ourselves, regardless of our status. While Joseph’s perspective is akin to our own commonplace understanding of events in our lives, the perspective of Jacob reaches higher towards an outcome even beyond expectations.

Furthermore, from another viewpoint, intending to place primacy upon Manasseh, whose name alludes to the verb “forget” (Genesis 41:51), Joseph was emphasizing putting his past sufferings behind himself. Yet, what we can learn by the name of Ephraim, is to be “fruitful” in regard to performing mitzvot (good deeds), so that we may flourish, despite our sufferings. For, it is not enough to put our past sins and negative character traits behind us (sur meira); we must also focus on holiness, through asei tov (doing good). “Turn from evil and do good” (Psalm 34:15).