Telephone Torah Study: Re-Uniting Families
In this week’s Telephone Torah Study (Thursday 4-5pm) we’ll study Joseph and how he re-united with his family in Vayigash torah portion (Gen. 44:18-47:27). Below is content that helps you prepare for this study. To join in on the conference call, please dial 702-851-4044, when prompted punch in 2, then our pass code 22252#.
Jakob and Joseph reunite after 22 years. Five of the brothers and Yakov are presented to Pharaoh. Yakov blesses Pharaoh. The year is 2238.
Suggested Reading
‘Joseph’s Intermarriage’ by Rabbi Kerry L. Olitzky the Executive Director of the Jewish Outreach Institute:
After Joseph “finds” the cup (which he had placed) in Benjamin’s sack, Judah pleads with Joseph.
In a surprising reaction, Joseph responds: “Do you have a father…?” (Genesis 44:19b). Although they had been estranged for many years, he still inquires as to the well-being of his father, of his family. He still feels a longing, an attachment. Perhaps Joseph is wistful about his youth, his former surroundings, his “home.”
Joseph had intermarried–although his relationship with his father and brothers is not what caused him to intermarry but were among the circumstances that perhaps nurtured his choice to marry someone not from his own background–and he and his father were separated by time and space. Often, this is what happens in families–new relationships cause dividers to be erected between family members. Kaddish may no longer be said but little else is said as well.
Continue reading on My Jewish Learning
Selected Verses of the Week
1. “…And now, don’t be troubled, don’t be chagrined because you sold me here, for it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (Gen. 45:5)
2. “I Myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will most surely bring you back up as well; and Joseph will lay his hand upon your eyes.” (Gen. 46:4)
3. Israel said to Joseph, “Now that I’ve seen your face—for you are still alive!—I can die at last.” (Gen.46:30)
