Words of Wisdom for Shabbat - Vayigash

The story of Joseph which has been unfolding over the two previous Parshot reaches a dramatic climax in this week's Parsha, Vayigash. Joseph has made it appear that Benjamin is a thief and threatens to enslave Jacob's beloved youngest son. Judah eloquently pleas for Benjamin's release by recounting in detail how Benjamin came to Egypt with his brothers at Joseph's request. Judah repeats several times that should Benjamin fail to return to Canaan, Jacob will die of grief. Judah offers himself as a slave to Joseph in place of Benjamin.

Joseph is overcome with emotion. After ordering his Egyptian attendants to leave the room, Joseph gives a loud wail and reveals his true identity to his brothers. The brothers stand speechless and fearful. Joseph calms his brothers by telling them that their selling him into slavery was all part of God's plan "to assure your survival in the land, and to keep you alive for a great deliverance." (Gen 45:7)*
Joseph instructs his brothers to bring Jacob back along with his whole family and his flocks to settle in the best land in Egypt. With this, Joseph and his brothers tearfully reunite.

End of scene. The orchestral theme rises in crescendo. Close-up of Joseph tearfully embracing first Benjamin, then the brothers. Cut! That's a wrap!

The Joseph story is certainly a high point in Torah Theatre and has inspired numerous commentaries.
Harvey J. Fields in his book, A Torah Commentary For Our Times, offers, among the commentaries on Vayigash, the following:

Judah's offer
With Judah's selfless offer of himself as a substitute for Benjamin, Joseph finally had irrefutable proof of change in his brothers' old attitudes. Judah exemplified their devotion to Jacob, their love for Benjamin, and their sincere repentance for their crime against Joseph himself." Convinced of their love, Joseph reveals himself to them. [Nachmanides] (Meir Zlotowitz, trans., Bereishis, Vol. VI, Art Scroll Tanach Series, New Mesorah Publications Ltd., 1981, p.1958)

Good out of evil
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch comments: "Joseph repeatedly points out to his brothers how this whole chain of events clearly stands out as Divine Management. . . .The great Master of the world achieves everything from the smallest beginnings. . . .God it is who brings everything to service. Without knowing it and without wishing it, folly and sin are also used to serve God's ends." (On Genesis 45:11)

* From The Torah - A Modern Commentary Revised Edition, General Editor, W. Gunther Plaut, published by the Union for Reform Judaism

Shabbat Shalom - Rest and Renew