Summary Vayeshev 5762
The story of Joseph and his brothers is a fascinating character-study. Joseph, Judah and Reuben all had to confront major challenges in their lives and each responded differently.

Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers and sold into slavery. After a brief spell in Potiphar's house, he then spent twelve years in prison for a crime that he did not commit. His hopes rose when interpreting the butler's dream, only to be dashed when the butler forgot about him. That Joseph maintained his faith in G-d despite his troubles and heathen environment, earned him the title of Yoseph Hatzadik, Joseph the Righteous.

Joseph's faith was not something he kept to himself. In chapter 39, verse 3, we are told that "his master saw that G-d was with him". How did this heathen know? Rashi explains that: "shem shamayim shegurah befiv- the Name of Heaven was often on his lips". Later, when in prison, Joseph openly attributed the interpretation of the butler and baker's dream to G-d. (40:8) In next week's portion when Joseph faced his greatest trial, standing in front of Pharaoh, he invoked

G-d's name at every stage. With each challenge, Joseph seemed to grow in spiritual stature.

Years later, Joseph understood that all his tribulations had served to equip him for leadership and to provide for his family. He declared to his brothers: "You intended (the sale) for evil, but G-d intended it for good.." (50:20)

Parallel to the trials and development of Joseph was the development of his brother Judah. When faced with the possible death of Joseph in the pit, the brothers listened to Judah's advice that he be sold instead (37: 26-27). Later on, Rashi on verse 1 in chapter 28 suggests that the brothers blamed Judah for the sale, claiming that had he advised them to return Joseph to his father, they also would have listened. Judah had failed this particular test of leadership and his downfall was only reversed when he admitted having wronged his daughter-in-law. His teshuvah- repentance - was the beginning of his future greatness.

But it was Reuben who failed the critical test of leadership. The brothers wanted to kill Joseph and Reuben stepped in and saved Joseph's life, and had him placed in the pit instead. The Torah testifies that Reuben's intention was to return Joseph to his father, but he was too timid. "Had Reuben known that Hashem would write in the Torah that he delivered Joseph out of their hands, he would have put Joseph on his shoulders and carried him home." (Midrash)

Reuben had done well to save Joseph's life, but as the oldest brother more was expected and he never recovered from his failure to act decisively at that time.

This character-study reminds those of us who are parents, grandparents, teachers and community leaders, that we have the opportunity to equip others to deal with the vicissitudes of life in a way which preserves their faith and moral integrity. May we rise to the occasion.

Points to Ponder:

1. In the sad story of Joseph and his brothers, Joseph was not entirely blameless. What three reasons did the brothers have for hating him? Note that Joseph himself brought about two causes of the brothers' hatred.
   
2. Who actually sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites? See verses 24-30. The answer is not as obvious as you might think.
   
3. When a group commits a crime and is subsequently remorseful, one person tends to be blamed. Which of the brothers was blamed for the sale of Joseph? See verses 26,27, and then verse 1 of chapter 38.
   
4. See 37:31, 38:15-23. Poetic justice?
   
5. See verse 39:6. Why only at this point does the Torah mention Joseph's good looks?
   

I'll be happy to receive your answers and comments!

Shabbat Shalom