From The Rabbi’s Study…December 26, 27, 2025/6, 7, 5786
The Torah portion continues with the confrontation between Judah and Joseph, whose identity is still unknown to his brothers. Judah pleads with Joseph to take him as a slave in place of Benjamin. Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. Jacob arrives in Egypt for an emotional reunion with Joseph. Jacob and his family increase in numbers and wealth in the area of Goshen.
Judaism Concepts and Values in this Torah portion are Speaking out for Justice and Reconciliation.
Joseph’s story is told in length, which gives the reader an extraordinary picture of the life and customs of the Egyptians. At the same time, the reader has a unique view of Joseph from his youth throughout his life’s journey in great detail. This Torah portion begins with Judah’s plea for justice before the Egyptian head of state (Joseph), who announces his plan for Benjamin to be enslaved. The brothers are unaware of Joseph’s identity, however they realize that if they return to Canaan without Benjamin, this loss will surely kill their father, Jacob. Judah presented to Joseph every point and all facts that were impossible to be refuted. Judah’s plea for justice was so compelling that it finally made Joseph reveal his true identity. The brothers at first could not believe that the person before them was truly Joseph. Joseph was overcome with emotion and tears, as he tells his brother’s, “I am Joseph,” and asks, “Is my father still alive?” The brothers never thought that Joseph would survive as a slave, and therefore they were astonished and speechless.
A very interesting point in Judah’s plea with Joseph on behalf of Benjamin is when he tells him that Jacob’s soul is “bound up with the lad’s soul” (Genesis 44:30). This Hebrew phrase is also used in the First Book of Samuel to describe the relationship between David and Jonathan. It implies true love and empathy, a genuine intertwining of souls.
While the reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers has an important Judaic value, Rabbi Samuel Nachmani claims that Joseph acted with great sensitivity and wisdom. He did not fear his brothers. After overhearing them speak to one another, he knew that they felt very guilty for selling him into slavery. Seeing how much they regretted what they did to him and how they feared at that moment for Benjamin’s welfare and their father’s, he was right to trust them (Midrash Genesis Rabbah 93:9).
The congregants that attend the Torah Study sessions had more information I would like to share with you. While Joseph knew his brothers and all the time speaking with them he spoke Egyptian, his son translated to his uncles. Joseph was not only testing them but also seeing if his brothers had truly changed their behavior. Joseph also told them: “In order to preserve life G-d has sent me before you.” (Genesis 45:5).
The next Shabbat Torah portion will have the conclusion of Joseph’s life.
Our Festival of Hanukkah has ended, and many families were blessed to be with their loved ones. Our congregation was blessed by celebrating together as a family. A huge Todah Rabah/ many thanks to our Secretary, Ellen Nathan, that makes Mitzvot for helping us and doing Zoom for many congregants so they can enjoy our holidays and services!
A beautiful Havdalah service was led by Ellen Margles, Deborah Abner, and Marilee Perkel, along with our guest singer Taylor Wachman, followed by the menorahs being blessed and kindled, and delicious tapas and desserts! I would be remiss if I do not mention all the Jews that were killed and wounded in Australia. We paused during our Hanukkah celebration for a silent prayer, and may their memories be for blessings. May this darkness end by each of us spreading our Light into the world by doing righteous actions and standing strong together as Jews.
Last, but certainly not the least, I would like to thank you, the members of our congregation, for sharing yourselves in this great Festival of Hanukkah experience. Beit Chaverim is an amazing, dynamic, and growing Kehillah (spiritual community). I am inspired by you and feel privileged and honored to serve you as your Rabbi.
Sunday’s Menorah Lighting had many of our congregation and people from the community attending. I was blessed to do one prayer in English and then with Rabbi Mendy Cohen we kindled the Menorah. Some of our congregation went to dinner afterwards to continue our celebration of Hanukkah.
If you are ill or someone you know is not well, I would like to know so I could recite a Misherberah for a Refuah Shalaymah/Speedy Recovery.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
