Jewish Texts
Don’t Be Quarrelsome On The Way
Joseph's warning to his brothers not to quarrel on their way instructs us as well in our relationships with our families and the larger Jewish community.
Avoiding Confrontation And Responsibility
Judah's plea to Joseph marks his transition into claiming responsibility and facing the consequences of his actions.
The God Of Isaac
As Jacob descends to Egypt he calls on the God of Isaac to assure him that this decision is correct.
Reminders Of Love
Like Judah's approach to Joseph, the people of Israel must sometimes remind God of our unique commitment to one another.
The Redemption of Judah
Judah's plea to Joseph is a sign of his personal growth and ability to empathize with his father's grief.
Don’t Just Stand There — Do Something!
Fear paralyzes us, rendering us incapable of addressing our most pressing problems.
Preparing For Exile
Joseph used his position of rulership to help his brothers develop coping skills for their upcoming exile.
The Deeper Meaning Of A Name
In naming his sons, Joseph communicates his thoughts on living in Egypt, alone and distant from his family.
Feeling Another’s Pain
As God promises to accompany Jacob into exile, we learn that sometimes the challenge of being fully present and sharing in someone's pain is greater than relieving their suffering.
Benevolent Dictatorship or Righteous Balance?
Joseph's actions in dealing with the famine challenge us to strive for a delicate balance of power and compassion.