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VayigashPublished: 31/Dec/08 |
Parshat Vayigash
Rabbi Yonatan Horovitz, senior faculty, Midreshet Harova
It is interesting to note that Yosef is given the title "Tzaddik – the righteous one" by our sages, a term not associated with any other character in the book of Bereishit, even our forefathers. Why does Yosef merit such an accolade?
The simple answer, found in various commentaries is that Yosef, as opposed to others spent much of his adult life away from the comforts of his family. He was exposed to many different societies and cultures. He was forced to cope with slavery and poverty on the one hand, responsibility and power on the other. Yet, despite all these challenges, he maintained his values; he stayed true to his heritage. One's righteousness can only be truly seen when it is tested. It is relatively easy to remain religious within the confines of a yeshiva or a religious community. But when faced with the temptations and social pressures of an alien society, one's commitment to Torah values is put constantly to test. In this respect, Yosef demonstrates himself to be a true tzaddik, one who withstands the allure of Egyptian morals and upholds the faith of his father.
This notion is confirmed by the midrash quoted by Rashi on the following verse: " ..and when he (Ya'akov) saw the wagons that Yosef had sent to transport him, the spirit of their father Ya'akov was revived" (Bereishit 45:27) The midrash tells us that Ya'akov was reassured because the wagons, termed "agalot" in Hebrew reminded him of the mitzvah of breaking the hefer's neck, known as "egla arufa" which was the last subject Yaa'kov had been learning with Yosef prior to his departure many years earlier. [Note that the midrash is employing a pun, a play on words, equating the word "agala" which means wagon with the term "egla" which means hefer.] Without entering into the significance of this particular mitzvah (it is found in Devarim, chapter 21) it is clear that Ya'akov is not only worried about Yosef's life, he is also concerned as to what sort of person Yosef has become. The midrash conveys the idea that Ya'akov is not reconciled with the new found knowledge that Yosef is alive until he is convinced that Yosef has stayed true to his family's tradition and values. In this respect, Yosef is clearly righteous, a tzaddik.
We suggest that Yosef's reveals his righteousness in a different form near the beginning of this week's parsha. After having told his brothers of his true identity, Yosef then says: "Now, do not be distressed or reproach yourselves because you sold me hither; it was to save life that God sent me ahead of you. It is now two years that there has been famine in the land, and there are still five years to come in which there will be no yield from tilling. God has sent me ahead of you to insure your survival on earth and to save your lives in an extraordinary deliverance." (Bereishit 45:5-7) We can only marvel at these words of Yosef. After years of suffering, over two decades without any family ties, Yosef is not only able to forgive his brothers, he even sees the good that emerged from what has befallen him. We are reminded of figures later in Jewish History such as Nachum Ish Gamzu and Rabbi Akiva who often stated that whatever Hashem does is for the good. So too, Yosef views his life story as part of a divine plan, his misfortunes and luck not merely as such, but as an element in the work of the Almighty. This shows Yosef's righteousness. Only a true tzaddik will ignore the realms of personal vendettas and grudges to see the larger picture, that governed by God Himself.
News & Events
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World Mizrachi Heritage Tour #8 – India
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Mumbai – Rajastan – Agra – Delhi; 9-19 February 2009. To see the program, visit our website - www.mizrachi.org .
RZC Family Shabbaton
The Religious Zionists of Chicago are holding their annual Shabbaton on the weekend of January 9-10 2009, where 850 people are expected to join the festivities under the auspices of the fantastic Chicago branch of Mizrachi, the RZC. The weekend promises to be filled with outstanding shiurim, ruach, friendship, and fun for the whole family. For more information, contact David Pelzner on 847-674-9733.
RZLA Yom HaAtzmaut Shabbaton
In honor of the 61st celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut, the RZLA are hosting a Shabbaton featuring outstanding Religious Zionist rabbinic leaders from Israel (Rabbis Aaron Adler, Motti Elon, Seth Farber, Benny Lau and Shlomo Riskin). The Shabbaton, to be held on April 24-25 2009, promises to be a wonderful event. For more information, contact Steve Berger on 310-274-6657.
Personals
Please advise us of all good news and sad news that you care to share with others, else we cannot post it – email mizrachi@worldmizrachi.org .
Baruch Dayan HaEmet– World Mizrachi sends sincere condolences to World Mizrachi Vice-Chairman Harvey Blitz and family on the loss of his mother, Rose Blitz.
Refuah Sheleimah– World Mizrachi wishes a Refuah Sheleimah to Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu Shlita, Mordechai Tzemach Ben Mazal Tov (Former Chief Rabbi of Israel.)
Refuah Sheleimah– World Mizrachi wishes a Refuah Sheleimah to Myron Sokal, Meir Menachem ben Blima.
Israelat 60 Greeting Cards
World Mizrachi are proud to offer 6 blank greeting cards on the occasion of Israel at 60 to send to others to increase the awareness of this monumental occasion. To order sets email mizrachi@worldmizrachi.org
Sefer Torah Dedication
World Mizrachi is writing a Sefer Torah to honor its long-time World Chairman Mr. Kurt Rothschild, who has dedicated his life to Eretz Yisrael, Am Yisrael & Torat Yisrael. We invite you to join us in this endeavor. Full details available at: www.mizrachi.org
Book of the Month
From the Book of the Month club – proudly brought to you by World Mizrachi & Urim Publications:
For the Love of Israel and the Jewish People: Essays and Studies on Israel, Jews and Judaism: http://www.urimpublications.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=UP&Product_Code=LoveOfIsrael&Category_Code=aaa
Covenantal Imperatives: Essays by Walter S Wurzburger on Jewish Law, Thought and Community:
