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In our Torah portion this week, Parashat Vayechi, we encounter the end of Jacob's life. All of his children mourn this loss with great sadness. We also find that the brothers of Joseph become fearful in the moment of Jacob's passing. They are afraid that Joseph still harbors resentments against them, which he has been concealing during the lifetime of his father. Now that Jacob is no longer with them, they suspect that Joseph may decide to punish them in some way. Instead, he reassures them and he comforts them. As the Torah states in the book of Genesis, chapter 50, verses 19-21, "But Joseph said to them, ''Fear not, for am I instead of God? Although you intended me harm, God intended it for good, in order to accomplish- it is as clear as this day- that a vast people be kept alive. So now, fear not, I will sustain you and your young ones.'"
Where does Joseph find the strength to not only forgive but even to comfort his brothers? He finds it in his faith. He knows that all of this has been a part of God's plan. He perceives of his brothers and, indeed, of himself, as merely pawns in the Divine design of the origins of the Jewish people.
Joseph thinks of himself as a vessel for God. This is also manifest in his reaction when given credit for his astounding ability to interpret dreams. He is always quick to point out that it is God who truly understands the dreams, while Joseph himself, merely the conduit. This combination of faith, with humility as well, truly enables Joseph to feel no ill will towards his brothers, despite the treacherous act they inflicted upon him.
Though most of us would almost certainly not be as forgiving as Joseph, when we begin to understand the depths of his humility and faith we can perhaps at least begin to understand how he could be capable of being so generous. For from Joseph's perspective, there was no reason to hold any grudge. His heart was open to his brothers, and he knew that all of them together were setting the stage for the eventual redemption of the Jewish people. For Joseph, this was cause to celebrate and to be joyous with his brothers and all of his family.
Shabbat shalom!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
[email protected]
917-696-0749
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