Parashat Vayigash

Just as Judah approached Joseph, Jews of all stripes must show we can be one united people.

As Joseph discovers, reality is more complicated than we anticipate.

We must insist on hearing the voices of survivors of contemporary global violence.

A Torah teaching for the Western environmentalist.

Even if we are unable to fully fix what's broken, we can begin to make a difference by stepping forward.

Revealing his true identity, the viceroy cannot control his emotions.

Jacob and Pharaoh's brief interaction over Jacob's age raises many questions about the complex relationship between the two.

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.

Judah's plea to Joseph is a sign of his personal growth and ability to empathize with his father's grief.

Joseph teaches us to use our material success in the service of those who are needy.

Joseph used his position of rulership to help his brothers develop coping skills for their upcoming exile.

Joseph shows us how to exit the emotional labyrinth of grief by embracing forgiveness over blame.

We must remember to keep the long term ramifications of a lie in mind.

By speaking softly at home we can teach children that shouting is not the most effective way.

Vayigash: A resource for families.

Jacob's heart.

Ezekiel promises: The divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel will one day be united.