Parsha Vayigash
December 27, 2025/7 Tevet 5786
Greetings friends:
In this week’s parsha of Vayigash, we see the momentous reuniting of Joseph with his brothers as well as with his father Jacob. The descent from the land of Israel (then Canaan) to Egypt marks the first experience of the Children of Israel with exile, but it also marks the first time the brothers are called the Children of Israel, rather than the Children of Jacob (46:5). An obvious question is why would Jacob relocate to Egypt at all? Clearly, he was prophetically aware of the impending exile. Joseph was powerful enough to support his father through sending animals and food. Why not support his father and brothers in the Holy Land? Maybe even reunite for winter break on vacay at the beach in Eilat?
As it turns out, Jacob did see that exile was forthcoming and he stopped on the journey in Beersheba to offer sacrifices and pray for the future. While there, G-d speaks to Jacob in a night vision where he tells him not to fear. Not only will G-d be with him and his family while in exile, it is in Egypt that the Children of Israel will become a great nation (46:3). Sforno (Ovadia Sforno, an Italian Rabbi of the late 15th – early 16th century known for his commentary on the Torah) comments that it is specifically Egypt that will enable this to occur because of the Egyptian attitude towards the Jewish people. In fact, they refused to even eat with the brothers as noted in last week’s parsha (43:32) finding their eating of meat to be repulsive.
I had the opportunity to spend some time in a very religious Jewish community in the UK when I was in college. I remember asking a Rabbi there, why they choose to live in that neighborhood. It had been one of the most impoverished districts in London, and most of the Jewish community could easily afford to live elsewhere. In fact, where I lived at school, I attended the Marble Arch synagogue – a beautiful building in a fantastic neighborhood. The Rabbi answered me matter-of-factly – we choose to live here because it is here we can ensure that our children will remain distinct as Jews, not trying to mix in with those around them. In essence, G-d is telling Jacob that staying in Canaan is dangerous for the spiritual health of the Jewish people as it would result in their mixing with the nations around them.
What does this lesson teach us today? We now live in the greatest country in the world, a country that welcomes us, allows us to practice our religion freely, and openly supports us as we spread our traditions through books, film, and public events. Yet this is not without spiritual risks. This is particularly noticeable this week as our colleagues, neighbors, friends, and sometimes families celebrate the Christmas season. Our non-Jewish friends and families have many beautiful traditions which they should take pride in and enjoy, but we must never forget our own distinct culture and the value of the diversity we bring to the table. So go ahead, wear your ugly Chanukah sweater, wish those that celebrate a Merry Christmas, but remember that it is our uniqueness that makes us a great nation.
Shabbat Shalom (and whatever else you may celebrate). 😉
Rabbi Josh
In this week’s parsha of Vayigash, we see the momentous reuniting of Joseph with his brothers as well as with his father Jacob. The descent from the land of Israel (then Canaan) to Egypt marks the first experience of the Children of Israel with exile, but it also marks the first time the brothers are called the Children of Israel, rather than the Children of Jacob (46:5). An obvious question is why would Jacob relocate to Egypt at all? Clearly, he was prophetically aware of the impending exile. Joseph was powerful enough to support his father through sending animals and food. Why not support his father and brothers in the Holy Land? Maybe even reunite for winter break on vacay at the beach in Eilat?
As it turns out, Jacob did see that exile was forthcoming and he stopped on the journey in Beersheba to offer sacrifices and pray for the future. While there, G-d speaks to Jacob in a night vision where he tells him not to fear. Not only will G-d be with him and his family while in exile, it is in Egypt that the Children of Israel will become a great nation (46:3). Sforno (Ovadia Sforno, an Italian Rabbi of the late 15th – early 16th century known for his commentary on the Torah) comments that it is specifically Egypt that will enable this to occur because of the Egyptian attitude towards the Jewish people. In fact, they refused to even eat with the brothers as noted in last week’s parsha (43:32) finding their eating of meat to be repulsive.
I had the opportunity to spend some time in a very religious Jewish community in the UK when I was in college. I remember asking a Rabbi there, why they choose to live in that neighborhood. It had been one of the most impoverished districts in London, and most of the Jewish community could easily afford to live elsewhere. In fact, where I lived at school, I attended the Marble Arch synagogue – a beautiful building in a fantastic neighborhood. The Rabbi answered me matter-of-factly – we choose to live here because it is here we can ensure that our children will remain distinct as Jews, not trying to mix in with those around them. In essence, G-d is telling Jacob that staying in Canaan is dangerous for the spiritual health of the Jewish people as it would result in their mixing with the nations around them.
What does this lesson teach us today? We now live in the greatest country in the world, a country that welcomes us, allows us to practice our religion freely, and openly supports us as we spread our traditions through books, film, and public events. Yet this is not without spiritual risks. This is particularly noticeable this week as our colleagues, neighbors, friends, and sometimes families celebrate the Christmas season. Our non-Jewish friends and families have many beautiful traditions which they should take pride in and enjoy, but we must never forget our own distinct culture and the value of the diversity we bring to the table. So go ahead, wear your ugly Chanukah sweater, wish those that celebrate a Merry Christmas, but remember that it is our uniqueness that makes us a great nation.
Shabbat Shalom (and whatever else you may celebrate). 😉
Rabbi Josh
