Vayigash – וַיִּגַּשׁ (Genesis 44:18−47:27)

Parsha Vayigash – וַיִּגַּשׁ Torah Summary:

Judah pleads with Joseph to free Benjamin and offers himself as a replacement. (44:18-34) Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them for selling him into slavery. (45:1-15) Although the famine still rages, Pharaoh invites Joseph’s family to “live off the fat of the land.” (45:16-24) Jacob learns that Joseph is still alive and, with God’s blessing, goes to Egypt. (45:25-46:33) Pharaoh permits Joseph’s family to settle in Goshen. Pharaoh then meets with Jacob. (47:1-12) With the famine increasing, Joseph designs a plan for the Egyptians to trade their livestock and land for food. The Israelites thrive in Egypt. (47:13-27) Vayigash – וַיִּגַּשׁ “Then Judah went up to him and said, ‘Please, my lord, let your servant appeal to my lord, and do not be impatient with your servant, you who are the equal of Pharaoh.’” Joseph and his brothers, what a drama, what an unresolved situation. And yet again teaches the Torah, that coming forward and being honest about what bothers you, telling it as it is, confronting what seems wrong to you, is the only way to solve conflicts.