Parashat Vayigash

(And He Approached)

Genesis 44:18 - 47:27

Ezekiel 37:15 - 37:28

In this Torah portion, Joseph’s brothers refuse to return to Canaan without Benjamin, whom Joseph has falsely accused of theft. Joseph reveals his true identity and invites his brothers to return for their father, Jacob, and bring him and their families to Egypt to live. When they return, Joseph introduces his father to Pharaoh, and, at Pharaoh’s suggestion, the family settles in Goshen, a particularly fertile region of Egypt.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parshat Vayigash: A Tale of Two Brothers

This Torah portion opens with a passionate exchange between Joseph and Judah, two brothers with distinct personalities.

More on this Torah Portion

Come Together

Just as Judah approached Joseph, Jews of all stripes must show we can be one united people.

When Dreams Come True

As Joseph discovers, reality is more complicated than we anticipate.

Transformative Testimony

We must insist on hearing the voices of survivors of contemporary global violence.

Joseph’s Foresight and Restraint

A Torah teaching for the Western environmentalist.

Proximity and Repair

Even if we are unable to fully fix what's broken, we can begin to make a difference by stepping forward.

Joseph’s Moment of Truth

Revealing his true identity, the viceroy cannot control his emotions.

Jacob And Pharaoh: A Brief Encounter

Jacob and Pharaoh's brief interaction over Jacob's age raises many questions about the complex relationship between the two.

The Redemption of Judah

Judah's plea to Joseph is a sign of his personal growth and ability to empathize with his father's grief.

Achievement And Action

Joseph teaches us to use our material success in the service of those who are needy.

Don’t Be Quarrelsome On The Way

Joseph's warning to his brothers not to quarrel on their way instructs us as well in our relationships with our families and the larger Jewish community.

Preparing For Exile

Joseph used his position of rulership to help his brothers develop coping skills for their upcoming exile.

Parashat Vayigash: Forgiveness Over Blame

Joseph shows us how to exit the emotional labyrinth of grief by embracing forgiveness over blame.

Lying Does Not Pay

We must remember to keep the long term ramifications of a lie in mind.

Speak Softly

By speaking softly at home we can teach children that shouting is not the most effective way.

Not Embarrassing Others

Vayigash: A resource for families.

Haftarah for Vayigash

Ezekiel promises: The divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel will one day be united.

Parashat Vayigash: Summary

With video commentary from BimBam.