Thoughts on Parshat Vayigash

B"H

For some reason, I have no talent to connect to Yoseph and the Parashat dealing with him. I am always leaving out Miketz, Vayigash and Vayechi and wait until Shemot. Then I am happy again.:-)

Nevertheless, I collected two thoughts about Parashat Vayigash. One from the Baal Shem Tov and the second from the Sfat Emet (1847 - 1905, a former Gerrer Rebbe). Both great Rabbis were referring to the first word in the Parasha: "And Yehudah approached Yoseph ...." Yehudah's speech was actually quite brave because in those days, you didn't just approach the second man behind Paraoh. However, Yehudah pulled himself together and told Yoseph the truth. Yehudah was worried and how should he explain all this to his father Yaakov who still suffered from Yoseph's "death" ?

The Baal Shem Tov says that in every sorrow, we still find a holy spark. In every sorrow we find G - d but we have to look for Him, as He is disguising Himself. G - d is in every little thing in this world. He fills out the whole world and there is nothing without Him.

What we have to do when something negative is happening or about to happen, we have to pray because G - d is the only one who can change His decree. Who is able to turn bad into good.

The Sfat Emet wrote that Yehudah found his EMET ! Each person is responsible for his soul. Meaning bringing the soul back to the creator. The Sfat Emet compares Yehudah's truth with true repentance. A Jew who sinned is still a Jew and always able to regret and return to G - d. What we have to do is realizing our potential within us. The best day for doing so is Shabbat.

With these great words and ideas I wish you all a great Shabbat, Shabbat Shalom and Gut Schabbes !"