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The nature of Yosef’s encounter with his brothers for the first time after many years of estrangement is truly enigmatic.  True, it had been many years since they had last seen one another. In addition, the circumstances by which they had been separated were unpleasant to recall. The fact that ten brothers who were exemplary in wisdom and perception did not recognize their lost brother seems difficult to accept.  Horav Meir Bergman, Shlita, cites Horav Yecheskel Levinstein, z.l., who explains their meeting.  Man has the ability to see and perceive, recognize and remember, only by virtue of siyata d’shmaya, Heavenly…

The text of the pasuk is questionable. Why does Yaakov say that Hashem should give you mercy “before the man”? Why does he not simply say, “from the man”?  What is the significance of having mercy “before” the man? Horav Mordechai Rogov, z.l., suggests a profound thought. Yaakov Avinu taught his sons a valuable lesson. If they sense that the “man” has no mercy on them, it is because they are being punished for their own lack of rachmanus, mercy. If they have mercy “before” the man, if they are sensitive to the needs of others, Hashem will reward them…

Why does Pharaoh “warn” Yosef that he will be greater than Yosef  because he occupies “the throne?” Did Pharaoh fear Yosef’s insubordination? Horav Ze’ev Weinberger, Shlita, suggests that Pharaoh was being very practical. He told Yosef that the purpose in making him Viceroy over Egypt was to enhance and glorify Pharaoh’s throne.  Pharaoh fully understood that taking a Jewish slave out of prison, showering him with glory, and giving him access to the second most powerful position in the land was risky. This act might be dangerous unless a long term benefit was clearly to be derived. Pharaoh, however, was…