This Week’s Torah Portion: Vayigash (Genesis 44:18−47:27)

Here in Parashat Vayigash, Joseph stands at a crossroads and the entire history of the Jewish people stands in the balance. What path will he choose? Joseph’s brothers stand before him, the same brothers who had thrown him into a pit and sold him into slavery in Egypt. Many years have passed and despite all odds, Joseph stands now as second only to Pharaoh.

And now his brothers stand before him, not recognizing the brother they had betrayed so many years ago. Joseph could have them killed, or imprisoned, or sold as slaves – just as they had done to him. Or he could provide for them life giving food and a prosperous future under his protection in Egypt. What path will he choose? And then, Vayigash Yehudah, and then Judah draws near and offers his life in exchange for his brother Benjamin.

Joseph sees that his brothers have changed. Joseph sees that he has changed. And Joseph chooses to draw them near and forgive. Joseph chooses the path of repentance and return and we are the heirs of that choice. Seeking and granting forgiveness has been our path for righteous living ever since that day.