Vayigash - Day #7

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near  

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Halftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

Shabbat: Genesis 47:11–27

47:11 Joseph placed his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all of his father’s household with bread, according to the sizes of their families.

13 There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. 14 Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. 15 When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph, and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For our money fails.”

16 Joseph said, “Give me your livestock, and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”

17 They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys: and he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year. 18 When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. 19 Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won’t be desolate.”

20 So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh’s. 21 As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt, even to the other end of it. 22 Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land. 23 Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. 24 It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.”

25 They said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”

26 Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s.

27 Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly.

Today’s Meditation: 

It’s all about fairness. Joseph buys the animals and the land from the starving people in exchange for food. But then he gives them seeds to plant and raise crops. Yes, they have to give a portion back to Pharaoh, but they will be able to work, eat, and live. That sounds really fair to me. If Joseph had not handled this situation this way, they would have died. 

I think about fairness in our lives. Sometimes we are called to help those around us in a special way. But, are we fair in our dealings? Do we give, without any expectation of return? This is a valuable concept to learn. I recall that for years, we helped a family during the holidays with presents and food, and sometimes throughout the year. They were not expected to give anything in return, and eventually they became very demanding of us, to the point that we had to sever the relationship. In retrospect, it may have been better if we had asked for something in return. Something they could manage, such as repairing or fixing an object for us, cutting the lawn, or painting, etc. I know they would have learned and grown, and so would have our friendship.

Today’s Challenge: 

The next time you are called to give to someone, pray about how you can ask them to help you in some way (if possible). There are times when people are unable to help back, such as when they are ill or incapacitated. However, if someone is healthy and can work or help, then ask them to. You will both benefit and grow from the situation. It may even encourage them to do this for others. It could lead to better training or a better job for them. It’s worth a try.

This Week’s Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

37:15 Hashem’s word came again to me, saying, 16 “You, son of man, take one stick, and write on it, ‘For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions.’ Then take another stick, and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.’ 17 Then join them for yourself to one another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.

18 “When the children of your people speak to you, saying, ‘Won’t you show us what you mean by these?’ 19 tell them, ‘Hashem Elohim says: “Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in my hand. 20 The sticks on which you write will be in your hand before their eyes.”’ 21 Say to them, ‘Hashem Elohim says: “Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, where they have gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. One king will be king to them all. They will no longer be two nations. They won’t be divided into two kingdoms anymore at all. 23 They won’t defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. So they will be my people, and I will be their Elohim.

24 “My servant David will be king over them. They all will have one shepherd. They will also walk in my ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 They will dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob my servant, in which your fathers lived. They will dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children’s children, forever. David, my servant, will be their prince forever. 26 Moreover, I will make a covenant of peace with them. It will be an everlasting covenant with them. I will place them, multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forevermore. 27 My tent also will be with them. I will be their Elohim, and they will be my people. 28 The nations will know that I am Hashem who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forevermore.”

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

What a tremendous promise. That the people of Hashem will be gathered back to Israel in the end. To become one Kingdom, one shepherd, one King. Oh, how I look forward to that day. Then there will truly be peace on earth—joy in the world. The glory of Hashem will fill the Temple, and we will all bow down to Him. That is something we should be praying for every day. Blow the shofars and call on the Mashiach to come quickly. Let us join Israel in doing so.

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

My challenge is simply this. Start praying every day (if you don’t already) for the Temple's rebuilding and the Mashiach's return. Pray that people’s hearts will turn toward Hashem and that they will be ready for His return. May we learn more about Scripture like this, which promises a united Kingdom in Jerusalem. And get ready yourself. Clean up your life. Focus on Hashem and others, and take your eyes off yourself. Learn and grow in the Word and know what to expect. 

Vayigash - Day #6

Vayigash - And He Drew Near  

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Genesis 46:28–47:10

46:28 Jacob sent Judah before him to Joseph, to show the way before him to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. 29 Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He presented himself to him, and fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”

31 Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s house, “I will go up, and speak with Pharaoh, and will tell him, ‘My brothers, and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ 33 It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

47 Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan; and behold, they are in the land of Goshen.” 2 From among his brothers he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?”

They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and our fathers.” 4 They also said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

5 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.”

7 Joseph brought in Jacob, his father, and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8 Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?”

9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. The days of the years of my life have been few and evil. They have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” 10 Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Today’s Meditation: 

Jacob and his sons receive the best of the land (47:6). When people receive favor from others, they should get the best. But, how many times do we not do that? Do we give them something we didn’t want or second best, or the burnt cookie, so we can have the one that isn't burnt? I know I do it. It seems like the more I study Torah, the less I do it. Torah is all about loving Hashem and loving others more than yourself. Therefore, we should provide the best to those we serve. Try it, you will be more blessed than if you had it yourself.

Today’s Challenge: 

Today’s challenge. Think of someone in your family, maybe your spouse or kids, who you recently cheated out of the best. Pray that Hashem will convict you and really give you the desire to share the best with those around you. When that happens, you will genuinely be spreading the Light of Hashem around your family and community. It may encourage others to ask you, “What is it about you that treats people this way?”

Vayigash - Day #5

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near  

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Genesis 45:28–46:27

45:28 Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

46 Israel traveled with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the Elohim of his father, Isaac. 2 Elohim spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!”

He said, “Here I am.”

3 He said, “I am Elohim, the Elohim of your father. Don’t be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation. 4 I will go down with you into Egypt. I will also surely bring you up again. Joseph’s hand will close your eyes.”

5 Jacob rose up from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob, their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 They took their livestock, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt—Jacob, and all his offspring with him, 7 his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and he brought all his offspring with him into Egypt.

8 These are the names of the children of Israel, who came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. 9 The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 10 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. 11 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12 The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 

The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. 13 The sons of 

Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Iob, and Shimron. 14 The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. 15 These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty-three. 16 The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. 17 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah, their sister. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. 18 These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob, even sixteen souls. 19 The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife: Joseph and Benjamin. 20 To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 21 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 22 These are the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen. 23 The son of Dan: Hushim. 24 The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. 25 These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel, his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob: all the souls were seven. 26 All the souls who came with Jacob into Egypt, who were his direct offspring, in addition to Jacob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were sixty-six. 27 The sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls. All the souls of the house of Jacob, who came into Egypt, were seventy.

Today’s Meditation: 

This is about small beginnings. Only seventy people, descendants of Jacob, travel to Egypt to settle in the land of Goshen. But we know that years later, thousands leave to go back to the promised land—over a million with those who joined them. Sometimes we start a project or mission, and the number of people helping us is small. As time progresses and the mission/project grows, so do the people. When we undertake something that is from Hashem, it is sure to flourish. And it is incredible to watch. If you are in the early beginnings of a mission/project, stay in prayer and remain strong. If it is of Elohim, it will mature into a magnificent gift.

Today’s Challenge: 

This is a time of year when we have many family events. I am sure your family has many traditions. Or maybe you don’t have a family, and you are meeting with friends. My challenge to you today is to look at the importance of friends and family. Jacob had several sons, who multiplied their families. One of the ancestral lines of Judah would give rise to the Mashiach. Family is important. Having children is essential. Think and pray about how you will grow your family, or if you are older, how you can bless your children and grandchildren. You never know Hashem's purpose for them. You may be instrumental in changing the world.

Vayigash - Day #4

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near  

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Genesis 45:19–27

45:19 Now you are commanded to do this: Take wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. 20 Also, don’t concern yourselves about your belongings, for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.”

21 The sons of Israel did so. Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. 22 He gave each one of them changes of clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothing. 23 He sent the following to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provision for his father by the way. 24 So he sent his brothers away, and they departed. He said to them, “See that you don’t quarrel on the way.”

25 They went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan, to Jacob their father. 26 They told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt.” His heart fainted, for he didn’t believe them. 27 They told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them. When he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob, their father, revived.

Today’s Meditation:

So, after many years, Jacob hears his son Joseph is alive. Can you imagine? You thought you had lost someone really close to you, and you really hadn't. There may be hope for your prayers. If anything, know that Hashem always answers prayers in some way and at some time. Just be patient. And keep praying. Be encouraged. He loves you.

Today’s Challenge: 

It’s all about prosperity. Joseph has blessed Jacob’s sons. Has your family been blessed by a relative? If so, it is essential to acknowledge this blessing. Pray and ask Hashem how you can do that. Just be careful not to feel indebted or obligated to the person who gave. Accept it as a gift and be gracious.

Vayigash - Day #3

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near  

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Genesis 45:8–18

8 So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but Elohim, and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says, “Elohim has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Don’t wait. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you will be near to me, you, your children, your children’s children, your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you; for there are yet five years of famine; lest you come to poverty, you, and your household, and all that you have.”’ 12 Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13 You shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. You shall hurry and bring my father down here.” 14 He fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 He kissed all his brothers and wept on them. After that, his brothers talked with him.

16 The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well and his servants. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan. 18 Take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.’

Today’s Meditation: 

I’m thinking about how Joseph’s brothers are rewarded, simply for being his brothers. What is interesting is that they thought about killing Joseph and then allowed him to be sold into slavery. I am sure their consciences bothered them throughout the years, but now they are truly blessed by Joseph, even after all they have done. 

Would you do that? Have you been in a situation where someone “wronged” you, and instead of taking revenge, you treated them with kindness and generosity? What a better and healed world we would live in if we did this.

Today’s Challenge: 

Think back on anyone you may have wronged. Perhaps they are not acting as forgiving and generous as Joseph did, so what can you do to repair the damage you have caused? Pray about it. Hashem may reveal something special you can do for them. If He does, do not delay in carrying out the task. The sooner the better. By doing so, you will feel a sense of freedom.