Joseph's Family Reunion

Parshat Vayigash
Exodus 44:18-47:27

After last week's cliffhanger ending, we continue the story of Joseph and his brothers in this week's parsha.  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 purcahse 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-ffith of their harvest.

Questions for your Table:

1. Based on the text, Benjamin replaced Joseph in his father's affection and attention.  Why didn't the brothers hate Benjamin as they once hated Joseph?  
2. After all that has occurred, Joseph forgives his brothers, yet he did punish them.  Why do you think this is?  Have you ever felt vengeful?  When?  Why?
3. The text does not record what the brothers told their father about Joseph.  We do not know from the story whether they confessed their role in Joseph's disappearance.  Why do you think they didn't confess to their father?