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“And as I am already bereaved (of my child), (so also) I am bereaved (43:14)

Yaakov thought that he was sending Binyamin into a perilous place; in reality, he was sending him to his loving brother, who wielded great power in Egypt. Perhaps no place was more secure for Binyamin than “Yosef’s” Egypt. The entire narrative, demonstrates that those circumstances which are seemingly hopeless can be in actuality beneficial. Yosef’s afflictions were necessary to his attaining the highest power in Egypt. His brothers however, who feared the dreaded vice-regent of Egypt, were in error, for that dreaded and evil Egyptian was none other than their loving brother, Yosef. The lesson to be noted is that…

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“And Hashem Almighty shall grant you sympathy in the presence of the man.” (43:14)

The word ohnjr (sympathy) designates the attribute of Hashem which is the most general and secure. It is the fundamental trait by which the relationship among people should be characterized. “ohnjr” reflects family love – the love of parents to children, children to parents, the love of children one to another on account of the common “ojr” (womb), from where they all originate. This definition conflicts with the popular definition of “,ubnjr” (pity), which we are inclined to accept. Indeed, pity is a feeling with less essence than that of true ohnjr. Which is more ennobling: to be moved to…

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“And they said one to another, we are surely guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the distress of his soul when he beseeched us, and we would not listen. Therefore this distress has befallen us. And Reuven answered them saying, did I not say to you do not sin against the child.” (42:21-22)

When Yosef accused his brothers of spying, they quickly comprehended that this distressful situation was brought upon them as retribution for their involvement in the selling of Yosef. Consequently, it seems puzzling that when the silver with which they purchased the corn was returned in their baggage, they were not able to see that this development was a sign of further retribution from Hashem for their sin. The Midrash explains that every act demonstrating Yosef’s behavior and attitude towards his brothers was to serve as a reminder of their previous ill-treatment of Yosef. This enabled them to repent which led…

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“And now let Pharaoh look for an understanding and wise man.” (37:1-2)

It is interesting to note Yosef’s boldness in taking the initiative to offer Pharaoh advice. Pharaoh was searching only for someone to interpret his dreams, not one to direct him in the administration of the country! Why then was Yosef so brazen to volunteer his gratuitous suggestions? Horav Nissan Alpert Z”l explains that Yosef’s attitude was not only appropriate, but necessary, for his acceptance in the Egyptian hierarchy. When Pharaoh chose to designate Yosef as viceroy over Egypt, his intimate advisors were concerned that he appointed a lowly servant to a powerful position. There was no precedent in Egyptian history…

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