Parashat VaYigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27) recounts the climax of Joseph and Judah’s drama.  The cycles of victimization and untruths come full circle.  We acknowledge the anguish of Judah and his brothers as Joseph seemed to extract one last bit of suffering before revealing his identity to them.  And, despite Joseph’s reassurance that his descent to Egypt – that began when his brother sold him into slavery – was a Divine plan so that the family could be rescued from hunger, the brothers never fully trusted Joseph’s forgiveness. 

Who gets to decide when someone else has suffered enough?  We know that Joseph was wronged by his brothers. Yet, we can ask, as we read this story today, to what extent victimhood justifies mistreatment of those who harmed us.  How does one shift from the pettiness of self-interest to the desire for reconciliation?   

I pray that this core Torah narrative teach us to learn to forgive, as we move on and let go of past hurts.  Let all those in conflict experience the relief and deepened understanding that comes when teshuvah brings clarity, honor and kindness to our relationships. This is my blessing for all of us and for our world.

Rabbi SaraLeya
28 Kislev 5771   -   December 5, 2010

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