Va-Yigash: He Approached
In this week’s Parshah, Joseph made himself known to his brothers. Jacob comes down to Egypt and Joseph’s continues his administration over Egypt. Years pass, however, and ultimately all the Israelites become slave of the Egyptians.
The Parshah began when Joseph, who had hidden a silver goblet in Benjamin’s bag, agreed to allow his brothers to return to their father, Jacob, but demanded that Benjamin remain in Egypt as punishment for “stealing” the goblet. Judah approached Joseph and plead for his brother Benjamin. He explained to Joseph how heartbroken Jacob would be to learn that both sons by his beloved Rachel, were killed. Judah explained how Jacob believed Joseph had been killed by a wild beast, and would be devastated if ill-fate befell Benjamin.
Upon hearing this, Joseph could no longer control his emotions. He cried out that he was Joseph, their long-lost brother. The brothers were stunned. Joseph then explained to his brothers that G~d had sent them to him so that he, Joseph could provide them with food.
When Pharaoh heard this news, he, too, was glad and urged Joseph to send for Jacob and the entire family. Jacob was stunned to learn that Joseph was still alive. At first he did not believe that Joseph could still be alive. It wasn’t until he saw the wagons that Pharaoh had lent to assist with the move, that he allowed himself to believe Joseph was still alive.
Jacob went to make an offering to G~d and G~d spoke to him in a night vision telling him that Joseph was alive and that he should not fear the trek to Egypt.
Joseph went to meet his father in Goshen. Father and son had a joyous reunion and Jacob declared he could now die a happy man. Joseph told his father to tell Pharaoh that he was a breeder of herds and wished to live in the land of Goshen, which Pharaoh granted.
Jacob and his family settled in Goshen and soon other Israelites gathered there. The land was good to them and they became wealthy off the land. In addition, the families grew and became exceedingly great.
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