The End of the Beginning

 Parshat Vayechi
Genesis 47:28-50:26

Jacob lives for 17 years in Egypt.  He feels that his death is imminent.  He makes Joseph swear to bury him in Canaan.  Prior to his death, Jacob formally adopts Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and blesses them.  In the blessing, he elevates the younger Ephraim over Manasseh, explaining to Joseph that Ephraim would father a larger people than Manasseh.

On his deathbed, Jacob summons his sons.  He describes the character and depicts the future of each one.  Jacob directs his sons to bury him in the Cava of Machpelah.

Following his death, Jacob is embalmed. A great Egyptian procession accompanies Joseph and his brothers to Canaan.  When they reach Goren HaAtad, Joseph observes a seven day mourning period for his father.  Joseph and his brothers return to Egypt after the burial.  Although the brothers are concerned that Joseph will take revenge upon them now that Jacob is dead, Joseph tells them they have no cause for concern.

The book of Genesis closes with Joseph's death at 110 years of age.  On his deathbed, he speaks to his brothers, requesting that his bones be taken back to the land promised to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Questions for your Shabbat Table:

1.  It is from this parsha that we have the custom of parents blessing their children - boys after Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, and girls after the matriarchs - Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.  What does it mean for you to receive a blessing?  How does it feel?
2. The famine in Canaan lasted seven year, but we know from this portion that Jacob lived 17 years in the land of Egypt.  Why do you think his family remained there even after the famine ended?
3. Joseph brings his two sons for Jacob to bless.  In the parsha, Jacob responds, "Who are these?", for he saw two boys dressed as Egyptians and speaking Egyptian; they didn't "look" like members of the Hebrew tribes.  What does it mean, today, to "look Jewish"?  In what ways do you see yourself as Jewish?  What connects you and Judaism?

As always, get another look into this parsha with this quick animated study:

The End of the Story

 

Parshat Vayigash

Genesis 44:18-47:27

The saga of Joseph's time in Israel comes to a close this week.  The parsha opens as Judah begs Joseph to allow him to become a prisoner in place of Benjamin.  The brothers are fearful for their father Jacob's life, since he is so close to Benjamin.  Joseph, unable to conceal his identity any longer, reveals himself to his brothers.  They are astounded.  Pharaoh learns that Joseph's brothers are in Egypt.  He directs Joseph to invite Jacob and his entire household to live in Egypt.  Joseph extends the invitation, sending along gifts and provisions for his father's journey but warning his brothers not to quarrel on the return to Canaan.  Jacob is told that Joseph is alive and waits to see him in Egypt.  One night during the journey, God calls out to Jacob and tells him that he will prosper in Egypt and that Joseph will be present at Jacob's deathbed.

Jacob and Joseph have a tearful reunion.  The family continues to work as shepherds in Egypt in the region of Goshen.  The famine continues in Egypt and Joseph sells grain to the people.  Eventually, the people sell all they own to Pharaoh in order to purchase grain.  By the end of the famine, Pharaoh owns all of the land in Egypt save the land of the priests.  At the end of the famine, Joseph gives seed to the people and directs them to repay Pharaoh with one-fifth of their harvest.

Questions for your Shabbat table:

1. According to the text, Benjamin replaced Joseph in his father's affection and attention.  Why didn't the brothers hate Benjamin the way they once hated Joseph?
2. After all that happened, Joseph forgives his brothers.  He also punishes them.  Do you ever feel vengeful after someone has done something wrong to you?

If you can't get enough of this family drama, this animated short will surely be your next stop.

Moving on Up

 

Parshat Miketz
Genesis 41:1-44:17

Two years have passed since Parshat Vayeishev and Joseph remains in prison. One night, Pharaoh has two dreams w hich no one in his court can interpret. The cupbearer recalls from his own time in prison that Joseph interpreted dreams correctly, and tells Pharaoh of this talented Hebrew prisoner. Pharaoh calls upon Joseph and tells him of his dream. Joseph tells Pharaoh that dreams and interpretation come from God as messages, and that both of his dreams - dreams of fat and skinny cows and dreams of full and shriveled ears of corn - carry the same message - there will be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh places Joseph in charge of food collection during the years of plenty and the subsequent food distribution during the years of famine. Joseph is given an Egyptian name, Tzaf'nat Panayach, and a wife, Asenat.

Meanwhile, back in Canaan, Jacob, who has since had two more soons, Manasseh and Ephraim, is forced to send his sons to Egypt to buy grain during the famine. Jacob keeps Benjamin at home. When they arrive, Joseph recognizes his brothers but the opposite is not true. Hiding his identity, Joseph accuses them of being spies and decides to test them. He tells them to return to Egypt with their youngest brother, Benjamin. They are given grain, and each is secretly given back his money. Joseph keeps Simeon as a hostage until the brothers come back with Benjamin.

When the brothers return to Canaan and tell Jacob of the demand, he initially refuses to send his beloved Benjamin, until he realizes that the severe famine and their need for food might call for undesirable actions. Benjamin accompanies his brothers on their return trip to Egypt, where Joseph continues the test. After placing grain in their sacks, he again secretly returns their money. However, this time, he also places a silver goblet in Benjamin's bag. When his brothers leave to return to Canaan, Joseph sends his men after them, accusing them of theft. The parsha closes with Joseph declaring that Benjamin must remain in Egypt as his slave, but the other brothers are free to go.

Questions for your Shabbat table:

• The stories of Joseph often revolve around dreams - what makes dreams so interesting? They are often found to be important in many cultures around the world - why do you think this might be?
• Pharaoh, who was impressed with Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, calls him "discerning" and "wise" - what do YOU think makes someone wise?
• Joseph correctly interprets Pharaoh's dream as fortelling of years of plenty and years of famine. What causes famines? Is there anything you can do to help those who suffer from famine?
• When his brothers arrive in Egypt, Joseph decides to test them. Do you think he was acting out of revenge or was he trying to find out if he could trust them?
• Have you ever wanted to get even with someone who did something wrong to you? What did you choose to do? How did you feel afterwards?

For your viewing pleasure, the cartoon version of part of Miketz: