I discuss the parsha with Rabbi Rabbs Mondays at 7pm PST on my live cam.
This week we will discuss our Torah portion of Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27).
* When Joseph tells his brothers not to be distressed for selling him into slavery (Gen. 45:6), does he mean it or is he just trying to comfort them? When he says it was part of God’s plan, does he mean it?
* Joseph lavishes special favors on Benjamin and then sends his brothers home to Jacob with the instruction to not quarrel. (Gen. 45:24)
* The Torah is obsessed with justice. So are Jews. The Torah wants a world of balance. If you lie, there should be equivalent punishment. Eye for an eye is just. Jacob does not believe the brothers when they say that Joseph rules Egypt. When the brothers deceived about Joseph being dead, Jacob believed them. When they say truth, not believe.
* Then Jacob sees the wagons that Joseph sent. Money talk more powerfully than words.
* Artscroll on Gen. 45:27 says the divine spirit rests only amid joy.
