Pertinent Inspirational Insights on the Parshah
Translated from the outstanding Lev Shomaya Parsha series that contain highlights of the lectures and deroshos given by: Harav Shmaya Low shlita - London, England
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פרשת ויגש
וַיִּגַּשׁ אֵלָיו יְהוּדָה וַיֹּאמֶר בִּי אֲדֹנִי יְדַבֶּר נָא עַבְדְּךָ דָּבָר בְּאָזְנֵי אֲדֹנִי וְאַל יִחַר אַפְּךָ בְּעַבְדֶּךָ כִּי כָמוֹךָ כְּפַרְעֹה (בראשית מד, יח)
וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף אֶל אֶחָיו גְּשׁוּ נָא אֵלַי וַיִּגָּשׁוּ וַיֹּאמֶר אֲנִי יוֹסֵף אֲחִיכֶם אֲשֶׁר מְכַרְתֶּם אֹתִי מִצְרָיְמָה: וְעַתָּה אַל תֵּעָצְבוּ וְאַל יִחַר בְּעֵינֵיכֶם כִּי מְכַרְתֶּם אֹתִי הֵנָּה כִּי לְמִחְיָה שְׁלָחַנִי אֱלֹקִים לִפְנֵיכֶם: כִּי זֶה שְׁנָתַיִם הָרָעָב בְּקֶרֶב הָאָרֶץ וְעוֹד חָמֵשׁ שָׁנִים אֲשֶׁר אֵין חָרִישׁ וְקָצִיר: וַיִּשְׁלָחֵנִי אֱלֹקִים לִפְנֵיכֶם לָשׂוּם לָכֶם שְׁאֵרִית בָּאָרֶץ וּלְהַחֲיוֹת לָכֶם לִפְלֵיטָה גְּדוֹלָה: וְעַתָּה לֹא אַתֶּם שְׁלַחְתֶּם אֹתִי הֵנָּה כִּי הָאֱלֹקִים (מה, ד-ח)
In this parsha, we see the dramatic encounter between Yosef and his brothers, culminating in Yosef revealing his identity. The Torah emphasizes that the events were orchestrated by Hashem for a greater purpose, to sustain life during the years of famine and to ensure the survival of Yaakov's family.
Divine Providence and Forgiveness
Yosef's words to his brothers, "It was not you who sent me here, but Hashem," teach us about Divine Providence. Even when people act with negative intentions, Hashem can use those actions for a greater good. Yosef reassures his brothers not to be distressed or angry with themselves for selling him, as it was all part of Hashem's plan to save lives.
This lesson is relevant in our own lives. Sometimes, we experience difficulties or are wronged by others. The story of Yosef reminds us to look beyond the immediate cause and recognize Hashem's guiding hand in all events. It also teaches the importance of forgiveness and not holding grudges, understanding that everything is ultimately for the best.
Leadership and Responsibility
Yehuda's approach to Yosef demonstrates true leadership. He takes responsibility for Binyamin and pleads passionately for his release. This act of self-sacrifice and concern for his brother sets an example for all generations about caring for others and standing up for what is right.
May we merit to internalize these lessons of emunah (faith), bitachon (trust), and achdus (unity) in our own lives.
