January 4, 2025 · ד' טבת תשפ״ה
Parashat Vayigash · פרשת ויגש
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA In Parshat Vayigash, the exciting story of Yosef and his brothers reaches its climax! Yehuda, one of the brothers, bravely steps forward to speak to Yosef, who is still disguised as the ruler of Mitzrayim. Yehuda pleads for Binyamin's release, offering to become a slave in his place. He explains how much their father, Yaakov, loves Binyamin and how losing him would break Yaakov's heart. Yehuda’s speech is full of emotion and shows how much he has grown since the time the brothers sold Yosef. At that moment, Yosef can no longer keep his identity a secret. He bursts into tears and says to his brothers, “I am Yosef! Is my father still alive?” The
ONE BIG IDEA In Parshat Vayigash, Yehuda bravely steps forward to save Binyamin, showing true leadership and care for his family. This moment teaches us the power of standing up for others and taking responsibility. Yehuda steps forward to confront the man he believes to be an Egyptian ruler, unaware it is his brother Yosef. Despite the risks, Yehuda sacrifices his own freedom for the sake of his brother and father. Yehuda’s actions remind us that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to act despite it.
brothers are shocked and scared because they remember what they did to him many years ago. But Yosef reassures them. He tells them not to feel guilty because it was all part of Hashem’s plan to save their family during the famine. Yosef explains that Hashem sent him to Mitzrayim so he could prepare food and help them survive. Yosef then tells his brothers to return to Canaan and bring their father, Yaakov, down to Mitzrayim. Pharaoh hears about Yosef’s family and is happy to help. He offers them wagons and supplies to make the journey easier. When the brothers return to Yaakov and tell him that Yosef is alive, he can hardly believe it. But when he sees the wagons Yosef sent, he knows it’s true, and his spirit is revived. Yaakov and his entire family - 70 people in total travel to Mitzrayim. On the way, Hashem appears to Yaakov and reassures him that He will go with him to Mitzrayim and make his family into a great nation there. The parsha ends with a beautiful reunion between Yaakov and Yosef. Yosef hugs his father and cries. Yaakov is overjoyed and thanks Hashem for letting him see Yosef alive.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 4:22pm Havdalah: 5:22pm allah: 5:25pm