Rabbi Shimon Felix
Wisdom From The Margins
Jethro's position at the outside of the Jewish people allowed him to understand how to make the Torah work for a multiplicity of people.
Avoiding Confrontation And Responsibility
Judah's plea to Joseph marks his transition into claiming responsibility and facing the consequences of his actions.
Exile–The Absence Of Jewish Context
The descent into Egypt and Jacob's death left his family in an alien culture, forced to find a context for their traditions within themselves.
Interpreting From The Outside
Joseph's status as an outsider, and the outsider status of the Jewish people, allow for critical insight into the deeper truths of the surrounding people.