From the Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Zt”l
In the Torah portion of Vayigash, Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers. "I am Joseph," he says, "is my father still alive?"
The question itself demands further explanation. Judah had just told Joseph that Jacob was unwilling to send Benjamin down to Egypt, fearing that he would die there. He had also just stated that if Benjamin were to be detained in Egypt, he was afraid that his father might not survive. It is obvious that Joseph knew that Jacob was still alive. Moreover, we see that Joseph didn't even wait for a response, but immediately ordered them to bring their father.
"Is my father still alive?" was therefore not stated as a question, but as an expression of surprise. Joseph was astonished that his father was still among the living.
At the time Jacob was 133 years old, relatively young compared to the lifespan of Abraham and Isaac. Why, then, was Joseph so surprised?
When Jacob heard that Joseph had died, he entered a state of constant mourning. For 22 years he endured incredible grief, "and refused to be consoled." Jacob's pain was simply unendurable. It was therefore surprising to Joseph that his father hadn't succumbed to such protracted suffering.
Joseph then tells his brothers to "Hurry back to my father." The element of speed was required not only to inform Jacob that Joseph had been found alive, but also to bring him to Egypt as soon as possible. Every moment that passed without father and son being reunited placed Jacob in danger for his life.
(As for the question as to why Joseph didn't travel to his father himself, the answer is contained in his words: "G-d sent me before you." Joseph knew that he was fulfilling a Divine mission in Egypt, and therefore could not leave.)
Jacob was in mourning for Joseph 22 years. This corresponded to the 22 years Jacob did not observe the mitzva of honoring his father and mother (as he was not in close physical proximity to them). His 22 years of mourning for his son were a punishment for this shortcoming.
However, at the exact moment the 22 years were up, the Divine decree that he be separated from his son no longer existed. Joseph thus urged his brothers to "hurry," for there was no longer any reason to delay "even the blink of an eye."
There are sometimes situations in life when it is necessary to act within the attribute of severity. And yet, as we learn from Joseph, we must always be careful to do so sparingly. As soon as the reason for punishment no longer exists, we must immediately revert to loving-kindness and mercy. For it is forbidden to cause even a moment of unnecessary suffering.
Reprinted from Parshat Mikeitz 5762/2001 edition of L’Chaim, a publication of the Lubavitcher Youth Organization. Adapted from Volume 15 of Likutei Sichot
