This class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayigash, 7 Tevet, 5784, December 19, 2023, at Bais Medrash Ohr Chaim in Monsey, NY.

Finally one of the most dramatic stories in the Torah reaches its climax. Yosef reveals himself to his brothers and ultimately reunites with his beloved father after 22 years of heart-break and suffering. The brothers are first shocked, embarrassed, and then finally relieved.

But let us take a step back. Yosef had recognized his brothers immediately, yet chose to conceal this fact. Instead, he accused them, imprisoned them, and forced them to and from Egypt, ultimately tearing beloved Benjamin away from Yaakov, and causing his elderly father more unnecessary prolonged suffering. If he forgave them, then he should have revealed himself immediately, and reunited with his father?! And finally, only after this whole ordeal does he choose to do what he should have done initially, identify himself. Why did he do this? Was it revenge? Or to exact punishment on his brothers? 

This class will show how Yosef’s actions show us the depth of true healing, and define the process of true repentance. Yosef was not manipulating his brothers; on the contrary, he was guiding them. It was only due to his superficial ‘heartlessness’ that sincere, heartfelt, reconciliation became possible.

Healing, or Teshuvah has three irreplaceable components: remorse for the past, resolve for the future, and finally, a moment, a déjà vu, when that resolve is fully actualized and proven. Joseph wanted to ensure that his brothers experienced all three so that a new chapter in history can begin.

The lessons today, as the Jewish people are at war, are powerful. This is a time for internal transformation.