This week’s Parshah, Vayigash, continues the ongoing saga of Yosef’s encounters with his brothers. The brothers had no idea who he was. All that they knew was that he was the viceroy of Egypt. Hence, they went to him seeking food during the years of famine.
Finally, Yosef could no longer stand the charade, and revealed himself to his brothers[1]. It was obviously a tearful reunion. Yosef told them to hurry back to Israel, and let their father know that he was alive; they should also tell Yaakov that he was the leader of Egypt. The entire family should return to Egypt, where they would live in Goshen, the best part of the land. Yosef would personally take care of them.
Yosef gave presents to all of his brothers. “And to his father he sent the following; ten he donkeys carrying of the choicest products of Egypt, ten she donkeys carrying grain, bread, and other food …[2]”
What is meant by “the choicest products of Egypt?” What was it that Yosef sent to his father? Rashi offers two explanations. The first is, that according to the Gemorah it refers to aged wine[3]. He then cites an explanation that “according to the Midrash Aggadah[4], this (the choicest produce of Egypt) refers to pounded beans.” We need to understand this. Of everything that Egypt produced, why were beans particularly considered the best?
One explanation is as follows. Yosef knew that when his brothers would tell Yaakov that he was still alive, they would have to tell him that they sold him. This would obviously cause him great anguish.
Therefore, he sent his father pounded beans, also known as Egyptian beans. One would think that something which is pounded loses quality. Nevertheless, it is specifically these pounded beans which are called the choicest of Mitzraim. Despite the fact that the Tribes of Israel appeared to have been pounded, this made them stronger and greater than ever. This was true to the extent that Yosef told his brothers that his being sold was beneficial. “It was to preserve life that Hashem sent me before you[5].”
There are many lessons which can be learned from this explanation. One is to always be careful that our actions and words have a positive effect on those around us. Another is never to assume that something is not good; after all Hashem runs the world. And another is to judge everyone favorably.
I wish one and all a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 10, Page 151
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR MOTHER
Mrs. Brocha bas Reb Tzvi Nechemiah Hacohen O.B.M. Cohen
Passed away on 8 Shevat, 5778
May Her Soul be bound in the Eternal Bond of Life
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DEDICATED BY HER FAMILY
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לעילוי נשמת
מרת ברכה בת ר’ צבי נחמי’ הכהן ע”ה כהן
נפטרה ביום ח ‘שבט, ה’תשע”ח
ת. נ. צ. ב. ה.
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יוצא לאור ע”י בני משפחתה שיחיו
[1]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 45:1-3.
[2]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 45:23.
[3]. Tractate Megillah 16, b.
[4]. Bereishis Rabbah 94:2.
[5]. Our Parshah, Bereishis 45:5.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 