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Parashat Vayigash

If the Torah narratives were made into a TV series, this week would be the series finale. After more than twenty years of agonizing separation Jacob and Joseph are finally reunited. Commentators are divided as to what took place and understanding how to direct the reunion scene is not that simple.

The initial standoff between Judah and Joseph ended with the latter identifying himself as their long lost brother. After the initial panic and disbelief, the brothers return home and are eager to reunite father and son. Overwhelmed by the news, Jacob is keen to see his son but has his own reservations about descending to Egypt so much so that he needed divine reassurance that he would not remain there forever.

The concept of family has been developing since the creation of Adam and Eve. Fathers and sons have had fractious relationships in this opening book of the Torah. This story vague in its details allows the reader to assume an either or position.

Bereishit 46:29

“Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel; as soon as he appeared before him, he fell on his neck and wept on his neck a long time.”

According to Rashi it was Joseph who cried on his father’s shoulder. The powerful ruler of Egypt kisses his father and cries like a child. Fathers are important, even ones that have been absent for many years. Nachmanidies understands the scene differently. It was Jacob who cried, the feelings of parents for their children are deeper than children’s for their parents.

It doesn’t really matter who cried in this scene. For most of Genesis families have split up. One child has been pushed aside, parents have been blinded by their own feelings so as not to notice or understand their child. Finally at this late hour we have a family reunited. Children cry for fathers and fathers cry for sons. Thus the nation of 70 souls that began with one father Abraham is now ready for the next stage in its’ development, building a relationship with its’ father in heaven at Mount Sinai.

Shabbat Shalom

Smarter Torah with Rabbi Benjy Rickman

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