
This is the portion of the great reveal. Joseph, after toying with his brothers, reveals himself. In one of the most dramatic scenes in Torah, he sends everyone from the royal chamber and reveals his true identity to his brothers. His first question, one of the most profound and heartfelt moments, is simply “is my father alive”? (45:3). There is also a second reveal, the one where the brothers, back in Canaan, confront Jacob and reveal that Joseph is alive and well. (45:26) Jacob’s “heart was numb”, as if the news caused Jacob to faint. Twin revelations that helped change the course of Biblical history.
But go back to the very opening of the portion and the word “vayigash”. It is often translated as “drew near”. The word can carry a variety of intentions, according to tradition. But this context is revealing as it shows, as Midrash tells us, the growth of Judah. Indeed, this scene is the confrontation between Judah and Joseph: again siblings in conflict!
Judah pleads, confronts, draws close to Joseph and pleads the case that he must bring Benjamin back to Canaan or else his father, Jacob, will die. He thus offers himself as a servant in the boy’s place. This scene leads to the revelation of Joseph. Judah emerges as a key figure here, his ability to confront Jospeh, who is “equal to Pharaoh”, changes the balance of the entire family relationship. It is as if in doing so, Judah passes the tests that Jospeh placed before the brothers. Again, by “drawing near” to Jospeh, things changed.
A Chassidic interpretation of this scene states that Judah actually drew near to his true self. This “maturation” of one’s soul is a theme we run into often, especially in Genesis. As one commentator noted: “Judah’s honest speaking and heartfelt tone break Joseph’s cold veneer and set the foundation for restored family relationships”
Sometimes, as many of us have experienced, it is necessary, for peace, to draw near/close to one’s self and soul in order for a greater good. The tradition often calls this “shalom bayit” or peace within the house. This is often the realization that, for a greater good, I may have to sublimate my feelings so that we all can move forward and not be immobilized or bound by past hurts. It is a sign of growth and maturity.
Shabbat shalom
Rabbi Richard F Address
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