Mikeitz 2021

1We were introduced to Joseph last week with the following description “and he brought their bad deeds back to their father”. In this week’s Parsha we find just the opposite. Having been newly appointed vice pharaoh and instead of informing Jacob of the bad business of his being sold into slavery Joseph remained silent for over 20 years. Many including the Ramban claim that Joseph wished to have his dreams fulfilled and hence waited until the time was ripe. Others claim it was in order to ascertain that the brothers were truly remorseful over the deed. I would suggest that Joseph was worried that the tale of the sale would have caused Jacob even more grief and aggravation. Certain things are sometimes better left unspoken. There is no concrete evidence that the brother’s sale of Joseph ever got back to Jacob and it’s probably better left that way.

2Joseph exhibited strong leadership qualities. In addition to his obvious administrative skills Joseph exercised restraint in many areas. This was something he was unable to do at the beginning of last week’s Parsha. Judah also clearly demonstrated certain leadership skills. The stories of Joseph and Judah are intertwined and feed off one another. Had Joseph been sent home as Reuvane intended the brothers may have again tried to kill him! Instead Judah had the boy sent away to Egypt hoping for the best. Leadership often is the ability to take a hard position to avoid a worse one.

3While on the one hand both brothers were clear leaders, the differences between them are also clear. Joseph was the golden boy “And Joseph was attractive of form and face and color” just like his mother about which the pasuk stated “Leah’s eyes were swollen Rachel was attractive of form face and color.” Judah took a Canaanite wife in obvious violations of his father’s wishes. On the other hand Joseph restrained himself from a woman’s advances after imagining his father’s disapproval. Judah left his brother’s company “and Judah went down from his brothers” Joseph pursued his brothers vigorously; “It is my brothers that I seek”. Judah encountered a prostitute and immediately bargained for her services, while leaving behind his most valuable possessions. Joseph escaped an unpleasant sexual encounter leaving behind the shirt off his back. Why, one wonder’s, does Jacob bestow the kingship on Judah and to Joseph he gives a double portion?? It is clear from these stories that leadership of our people is not for the purest most perfect. We need leaders more like us, flawed in many ways but heroic when it is most crucial. Joseph’s manipulation of his brothers leads us to the conclusion that despite his great piety he could not resist dragging his brothers and father through the mud before revealing himself. Ultimately it is Judah in next week’s Parsha who shows up Joseph with his impassioned plea. “Take me”, so that my father may die in peace.

4I leave you with a word about Chanukah, thinking about all those lights and the publicity of miracles. “Parsumei nisah”! I was wondering actually who really needs candles to announce this 2000+ year old miracle? Those who know the story shouldn’t need to see candles to remember. Those who don’t know the story aren’t going to experience the miracle anyway! Furthermore, shouldn’t reading and retelling of the story would be just as good (ala Purim) why bother with the candles? I’m thinking that the Parsumei Nisah is about us, our people. The miracle is our existence. Despite the dark days full of terror and despair when we were this close to being wiped out entirely, yet here we are with our annoying little candles and menorahs in the village square. Actually the Ramban praises the Chashmonaim saying “Without them the Jewish People and their religion would have been wiped out permanently”. The theme of the song after lighting the candles is exactly about Jewish resilience and continuity in the face of adversity. So thank-you Hashem and G-d bless the Jewish People. Let the candles be a reminder to all the world that we are here to stay now and forever. Amen

5Isaac’s Parsha Corner is dedicated to the memories of Joel Shulman and Rabbi Shmaryahu Shulman both of blessed memory.