Two Minute Torah Podcast

Vayigash 5773 by Rabbi Charles E. Savenor

Convinced that his brothers have changed their ways, Joseph clears his royal court and reveals himself at the beginning of Parashat Vayigash. Like removing a mask, Joseph shocks his brothers when he says, amidst his tears, "Ani Yosef," "I am Joseph, your brother."

Instead of great happiness, Joseph's brothers experience great fear. Almost immediately, Joseph assuages their fears by explaining that his experience, even the painful moments, was part of a divine plan.

After this reunion, Joseph sends his brothers back to Canaan to bring their father and families to Egypt. It is here that the Jewish people must fulfill the next chapter of God's plan.

With their wagons packed, Joseph turns to his brothers and says "Al Tirgezu BaDerech," "Don't argue on the way." (Gen. 45:24) Wouldn't "nesiah tovah" or bon voyage been more appropriate? What is really happening here?

Telling them not to argue, Joseph encourages them not to point fingers at each other. What was done was done. Let's move forward.

The rabbis in the Talmud interpret Joseph's words differently. The expression "on the way," in the eyes of the rabbis, is an illusion to "The way," namely Halachah, Jewish law. Sometimes, as you may know, these discussions can take a long time.

Hence, Joseph pleads with his brothers to refrain from any delay, even for a discussion about Jewish law. After finding his family, he wants them back immediately.

The first interpretation sounds like Joseph wants them to forget about the past and move forward. In the second, Joseph pleads with them to rush back so they can resume their family life together.

There is another way of looking at his message. While in his presence in Egypt, Joseph's brothers are considerate and polite, but what will they say when they leave his presence, he wonders.

Joseph asks his brothers to be consistent in their feelings, behavior, and words in his presence and, more importantly, when they are away. "Don't argue on the way" is, thus, not only a wish for a safe journey, but also a challenge to maintain their good will towards him no matter where they are.

Joseph teaches us that our love for those in our lives will blossom if our words and deeds are consistent while at home and on the road. His capacity for forgiveness is a great example for us on the long and winding road of life.

Shabbat Shalom.