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Tag: providence

Divine Orchestration

parashas Vayigash 5782

“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.

Pesach: V’ga’alti – I Will Redeem You

B”H

Seventh Day of Passover: Yam Suf -Splitting of the Sea

“I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.” – Exodus 6:6

The splitting of the Sea of Reeds, brought forth new potential to the people Israel. A potential to flourish, despite the daily hardships, that now appeared to be past, since they were no longer slaves. Yet, even though slavery was a wrong imposed upon them by Pharaoh; now, as servants to the L-RD, they may have been in a better position to serve Him. That is, because they knew the rigours of being forced to hard labor by their Egyptian taskmasters, they now could look towards Him Who freed them as their new master. A kinder, gentler master; yet, One who was also just.

Moreover, the labor of their past, was of no material benefit to them, per se, because they did not receive any payment. Yet, as far as the conditioning of their souls, the refinement of their character, like Joseph, “until the time that his word came: the word of the L-rd tried him” (Psalm 105:19). And, so, having been bound to the work force of Pharaoh, they were now able to gain strength and determination from enduring physical hardships. So, that now they were being called to serve the L-RD, with all of their heart, soul, and might. Incidentally, B’nei Yisrael did receive renumeration for the intensity of their unpaid labor, when they emptied Egypt of all its wealth, as per the the prophecy given to Abraham, at the Covenant of the Parts (Genesis 15:14).

This newly found wealth was used to build the Mishkan (portable Tabernacle in the wilderness), and all of its acoutrements, including the Ark of the Covenant, the menorah, incense altar, and showbread table, in addition to the altar for the offerings, that was located in the courtyard. Thus, even the wealth that they had acquired, as recompense for what was due to them, was used for a purpose that was designed to serve the L-RD. This transition, into their new lives, was made in effect for the sake of being called out of Egypt, so that G-d could take them as a people, and mold them into an image of Himself (see Exodus 6:6-7).