Articles in Vayigash
Vayigash: Food for Thought for your Dinner Table
Sunday: Judah’s Sudden Reversal
When Joseph’s silver goblet was discovered in Benjamin’s sack Judah suggested that the entire family be enslaved to Joseph as a form of collective punishment. Later, when Joseph insisted that only Benjamin be enslaved and the others go free, Judah was enraged. Why was Judah enraged by a …
Vayigash: Jewish Leaders
National Pride
The Jewish nation lost its pride nearly two-thousand years ago. I’m not talking about religious pride. I’m talking about national pride.
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Vayigash: Temper Reined In
Great Characters
A member of my congregation once told me that I am incapable of anger and that I never take offense. I dare say that I wasn’t humble enough to dissuade him, but I chuckled quietly and mused, “Would, that my mother hears this.”
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Vayigash: The Path of Teshuvah
Judah’s Repentance
The brothers held Judah responsible for the sale of Josef. After all, Judah made the initial suggestion to sell Joseph into slavery. Demoted from his position of leadership, Judah left home and embarked upon a self-imposed exile. He returned years later, contrite and prepared to make up for previous …
Vayigash: Love among Brothers
Josef and His Brothers
“And He called out ‘Remove everyone from before me’ and there remained no one with them when he revealed himself to his brothers… And he said, I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt.” Two questions present themselves a) why did he call for everyone …
Vayigash : Talking to G-d
I was driving on the New York State Thruway late one afternoon and parked on the shoulder to recite the Mincha prayer. I closed my eyes and tried to tune out the sounds of passing cars when a police cruiser pulled up behind me and asked over his loudspeaker if …