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This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayechi, 14 Tevet, 5781, December 29, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

After Jacob’s death, Joseph says to his brothers, fearful of his revenge: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

What is the meaning of these loaded words “Am I in the place of G-d?” What does that have to do with this exchange? The brothers are pleading with him not to take revenge. Joseph reassures them that he will not punish them, explaining that notwithstanding their harmful intentions, G-d has turned it around. Why does Joseph open his answer with the words, “Am I in the place of G-d?” 

It was the great Chassidic master, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Barditchov (1740-1809), who offered a most moving explanation. The literal translation of Joseph’s words to his brothers is different. The Hebrew word “tachas” means “under.” Joseph told his brothers: “Am I under G-d?!”

But what is that supposed to mean? Joseph denied he was under G-d?

It is here we discover our own power to apologize to those we hurt and to forgive those who hurt us. We tell an incredible story of the Rabbi of Barditchov about forgiveness. 

This is a text-based class in Likkkutei Sichos vol. 3 Parshas Vayigash. It is a Sicha (address) presented by the Lubavitcher Rebbe on Shabbos Parshas Miketz, 5722, (December 9, 1961), and was taught by Rabbi YY Jacobson on Thursday, Parshas Vayigash, 9 Tevet, 5781, December 24, 2020, streaming live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY. 

The class explores the question of why did Yaakov ask Yehuda, not Yosef, to build the Yeshiva in Goshen? The Jew lives in a material world, but his roots are planted in the soil of unadulterated spirituality. In his daily life, the Jew must often be a Yosef, but his education must be provided by a Yehuda.