Saturday, December 11, 2021

CHUCK KOLB

 Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Vayigash - God's Prophetic Plan and Seasons of Trials !!!

 
Previously posted ...
Shalom Shabbat Hanukkah Parasha Miketz - The Great Light and the Grand Menorah !!!
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2021/12/chuck-kolb.html
Superstitions and/or Lies That seek to Kill Your Soul
https://conpats.blogspot.com/2021/12/sermon-superstitions-andor-lies-that.html

 
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world
ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Luke 12:37
The war against Truth has been raging ever since
evil was expulsed from the realm of Heaven.  
God instructed Pharaoh, "Let my people go."
God instructs us, "Let my people know."
Shema Y'israel - Maranatha !
Na'aseh V'nishma  

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כבוד שם יהוה Baruch Hashem Adonai  
#ShabbatShalom - Welcome to this week’s Parasha (Torah Portion),
which is called Vayigash (Then He Drew Near).
We know you will be blessed as you study with us this portion that will be read in synagogues
around the world on this Shabbat (Saturday).  Enjoy!

In last week’s Torah portion, Miketz, Pharaoh appointed Joseph administrator over all of Egypt in order to save the people of the nation from the coming famine.  That famine affected much of the region; and because of Joseph's wise stewardship, the nations looked to Egypt as a source of food. When Jacob sent his sons to Egypt for grain, Joseph recognized them but did not reveal himself right away.  He wisely tested their integrity through a series of character challenges. This week, Parasha Vayigash begins with a plea from Judah, brother of Joseph, on behalf of his younger half-brother, Benjamin.  A silver cup had been deliberately planted in Benjamin’s bag by Joseph, causing Benjamin to be in danger of having to remain a slave in Egypt. Judah can't bear to return to his father without his youngest brother, Benjamin.  He knows that the grief his father will endure for doing so will probably kill him.

You can view this Parasha on our website complete with embedded links ...
Vayigash: Like Judah, Like Yeshua

https://free.messianicbible.com/parasha/vayigash-like-judah-like-yeshua-5782/

Constantine and the Foundations of Anti-Semitism
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/constantine-foundations-of-anti-semitism/
Ah No Salvation and the 7 Noahide Laws
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/can-salvation-come-through-the-seven-noahide-laws/
Are You a Jew? The Answer Might Surprise You
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/are-you-a-jew-fname-the-answer-might-surprise-you/
The Temple Vessels Are Ready for the Rebuilding of Jerusalem’s Third Temple
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/the-temple-vessels-are-ready-for-the-rebuilding-of-jerusalems-third-temple/
Psalm 83, Ezekiel 38, and the Coming Battles for Israel
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/psalm-83-ezekiel-38-and-the-coming-battles-for-israel/
Did Yeshua (Jesus) Wear Tzitzit, the Traditional Jewish Fringes?
https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/did-yeshua-jesus-wear-tzitzit-the-traditional-jewish-fringes/


When to Celebrate Yeshua HaMashiach's birthday ...
The Joy of Tabernacles when Jesus was Born

http://conpats.blogspot.com/2019/10/chuck-kolb-10142019.html
How Yeshua was born on the Feast of Tabernacles by Rabbi Isaac
http://www.calledoutbelievers.org/how-yeshua-was-born-on-the-feast-of-tabernacles/

Revelation and Na'aseh V'nishma
https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/11880
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/do-first-understand-later/
We will do and we will listen to all that God has declared. Exodus 24:7

English to Hebrew to English lookup
https://context.reverso.net/translation/hebrew-english/
https://www.doitinhebrew.com/Translate/default.aspx
https://english-hebrew-dictionary.com/
https://alittlehebrew.com/transliterate/  
https://yiddishkeit101.wordpress.com/category/hebrew-word-of-the-day
The Best Jewish Words You Need To Know: A Yiddish and Hebrew Glossary
https://www.joyofkosher.com/from-jamie/the-best-jewish-words-you-need-to-know/
https://hebrew4christians.com/Glossary/Hebrew_Glossary_-_Sh/hebrew_glossary_-_sh.html
A Living Library of Jewish Texts in Hebrew and English translation
https://www.sefaria.org/   https://dictionary.co.il/   https://www.hebrew-verbs.co.il/
https://www.mechon-mamre.org/

Torah Teasers Parshat Vayigash by Moshe Erlbaum
https://www.aish.com/tp/i/teasers/The-Number-Five.html

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All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16


Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Ralph Messer ...
Simchat Torah Beit Midrash - Joy of God’s Teaching and Instruction

What Does It Mean to Choose Life? Every decision you make can be made in a way that you are “choosing life.” The Torah is God’s constitution; it is His teaching and instruction; it is eternal and it is life. His Spirit is pure Light, abundant with untouchable, supreme, sovereign power.
God is the Source of all life.

וַיִּגַּשׁ Vayigash means “and he approached.” 
It is in this portion that Joseph was no longer able to hide his identity from his brothers.  When he revealed himself, they couldn’t believe that it was actually Joseph standing before them.  It was then that God’s master plan became clear.  God had sent Joseph to Egypt so that he could one day preserve his family. This was such a great act, that in one of the Psalms, the entire Jewish nation is called by Joseph’s name (Ps. 80:2). It is all part of God’s master plan for your life.  You may not have control over all of the events that happen to you; but what you can do is decide what to do with those events once they have happened.  Put your trust in God—it is the path to blessing.
https://stbm.org/vayigash/

Arrive a half hour+ early for starting lessons ...
Online> Saturday Shabbat (9:00am ET / 12:30pm ET) Services and Midrash  
Online> Monday Nights with STBM 8:30pm ET  / Thursday Afternoon> 3:00 pm ET
Learn more about special event streaming when you call our team! 866-867-2488
https://stbm.org/stbm-live-main/ - https://www.youtube.com/c/RalphMesser/videos
https://stbm.org/study-home/  https://stbm.org/rrm-subscriptions/  

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Todah Rabah - Dr. Gary Hedrick ...
Reaching the Jewish people with the Gospel

https://www.cjfm.org/about-us/who-we-are/history/
Charles Halff - What It Costs a Jew to Become a Christian
https://store.cjfm.org/product/146/what-it-costs-a-jew-to-become-a-christian

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Yitzchak ...

http://www.calledoutbelievers.org/sermon-topic/torah-parashot/
http://www.calledoutbelievers.org/free-downloads/
https://www.facebook.com/CalledOutBelievers/ at 10am PT
https://www.calledoutbelievers.org/events/shabbat-telegram-teaching/
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssemblyofCalledOutBelievers/videos
The Mark of the Beast is Coming Quickly Upon Us!
https://www.calledoutbelievers.org/news/the-mark-of-the-beast-is-coming-quickly-upon-us/
The Importance and Beauty of צִיצִ֥ת Tzitzit
https://player.vimeo.com/video/152885286
http://www.calledoutbelievers.org/tzitzit/
The Hidden Beauty of the Holy Name of God - YHVH
vid> https://youtu.be/dbb45zmkli4 (20:59)

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Chaim Richman ...

Weekly Torah Study: with Rav Gedalia Meyer
Temple Jam with Yitzchak Reuven and Rabbi Abba Horovitz
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTempleInstitute/videos
https://www.facebook.com/The-Temple-Institute-22738684968/
https://www.instagram.com/thetempleinstitute/ - https://twitter.com/TempleInstitute
https://www.templeinstitute.org/ w Weekly Newsletter - 35 years
https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer/

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Chaim Jachter ...
Kol Torah Academy of Bergen County  

VaYigash - Tevet 6, 5782 - December 10, 2021
https://www.koltorah.org/articles/?category=VaYigash
https://www.koltorah.org/by-parashah https://www.koltorah.org/about-us
https://www.koltorah.org/rav-jachters-halachah-files
Yeshiva - https://www.tabc.org/ https://www.instagram.com/koltorah.tabc/
TABC Parashat VaYigash (4 page pdf)  
https://www.koltorah.org/s/Kol-Torah-Vayigash-2021-1.pdf

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Parshat Vayigash

https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/3224/jewish/Vayigash-in-a-Nutshell.htm
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/default.asp?tDate=12/11/2021  
https://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/month_cdo/jewish/Jewish-Calendar.htm
https://www.chabad.org/calendar/converter_cdo/aid/6225/jewish/Jewish-Hebrew-Date-Converter.htm

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Naphtali “Tuly” Weisz ...   

https://israel365.com/  https://www.israel365news.com/
https://www.israel365.com/about/  https://theisraelbible.com/
https://theisraelbible.com/bible/torah/  
https://theisraelbible.com/bible/genesis/  

The Portion of Vayigash
https://theisraelbible.com/portion-Vayigash/

UN headquarters: Statue of lion with wings as described in Daniel’s dream erected
by David Sidman

Many have noticed an eerie similarity to Daniel’s dream in the Bible:
The first was like a lion but had eagles’ wings. (Daniel 7:4)
His dream featured four beasts – a lion with wings, a bear with fangs, a four-winged leapord. The fourth beast had ten horns. The beast represent all of the kingdoms that subjugated the nation of Israel. The lion with wings represents Babylon. The bear represented Persia. The four-winged leapord represented Greece and the final most treacherous of them all represented Rome.
twitpix> https://twitter.com/UN_Photo/status/1458178013082816513
https://www.israel365news.com/263929/un-headquarters-statue-of-lion-with-wings-as-described-in-daniels-dream-erected/

Anti-Semitism is on the rise in the United States.
Stand with 100,000+ people who stand with Israel.

https://www.israel365.com/the-israel-covenant/

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President Donald J. Trump

https://www.45office.com/
https://gab.com/realdonaldtrump
https://t.me/real_DonaldJTrump
http://Instagram.com/realDonaldTrump  
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/alerts
https://rumble.com/c/DonaldTrump
https://tmtgcorp.com/ https://truthsocial.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ivankatrump/
DONALD DATES
Donald, Jr. 12/31/77 <<<

Jared Kushner 1/10/81
Eric 1/6/84

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Good News From Israel - Achievements and Heartwarming Stories
In the 5th Dec 21 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:

https://verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com/2021/12/israels-good-news-newsletter-to-5th-dec.html
http://verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com/

Mishpacha Jewish Family Weekly
https://mishpacha.com/  

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Todah Rabah - beloved Ted Belman writing from Jerusalem, Israel for 20+ years ...  
THERE IS NO DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION  


Nina May Shows Her January 6 Video Footage
and Explains How it Refutes The Deep State Propaganda
vid> https://frankspeech.com/embed/Mjg1MDc= (15:48)
http://www.renaissancewomenproductions.com/
https://www.israpundit.org/nina-may-shows-her-january-6-video-footage-and-explains-how-it-refutes-the-deep-state-propaganda/


Israel’s Shifting Society
by Rochel Sylvetsky - INN
‘Jews, Israelis and Arabs, an Observer’s view of Israel’s Shifting Society’,’
a politically incorrect, refreshing look at Israel. Review.

 https://www.israpundit.org/israels-shifting-society/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/318416   
T. Belman writes, I posted this article for two reasons. One, I have worked with Rochel for many years. Not only did she publish all my submissions but she also stood by me in my fight for the Jordan Option. Secondly I intended to acknowledge Shalom Pollack’s role in drawing attention to the Yad Vashem omission. Our paths have often crossed. We three are proud , Israel First, olim.

Trump: ‘If it weren’t for me, Israel would’ve been destroyed by now’
Journalist Barak Ravid releases excerpts from new book, featuring interviews with Trump.
‘Nobody did more for Bibi,’ former US Pres. Trump said.

https://www.israpundit.org/trump-if-it-werent-for-me-israel-wouldve-been-destroyed-by-now/
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/318418
T. Belman writes, This morning I read the articles on the new book in HAARETZ, TOI, and YNET and found them all objectionable for one reason or another. Much more could be said in praise of Trump’s gifts to Israel such as cutting off funds to the PA and UNRWA and moving th US Embassy to Jerusalem. I, too, was rankled by Bibi kissing Biden’s ass.  Bennett did the same.

Israel preps to strike Iran nuke sites. It will take years to materialize
by Yaniv Kubovich - HAARETZ
According to estimates by Israeli intelligence agencies, Iran has made a major leap in its
ability to reach 90 percent uranium enrichment, the level required for nuclear weapons production.
https://www.israpundit.org/israel-preps-to-strike-iran-nuke-sites-it-will-take-years-to-materialize/
https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-like-an-arrow-through-the-heart-idf-prepares-for-military-action-against-iran-1.10451436


Carlson: Here’s what we know about the vaccines
vid> https://www.bitchute.com/video/40hbmpGAvLGJ/ (40:28) 9/13/21
https://www.israpundit.org/biden-wants-war-with-russia/


Renowned virologist warns of ‘collapse of our health system’ due to complications from COVID vaccines
Dr. Geert Vanden Bossche warned of the damage being done to the immune systems
of the vaccinated, and the inevitable grave consequences that would result.
Booster shots for the vaccinated ‘absolutely insane!’
To the un-jabbed: ‘For God’s sake, stay unvaccinated!’
https://www.israpundit.org/renowned-virologist-warns-of-collapse-of-our-health-system-due-to-complications-from-covid-vaccines/
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/renowned-virologist-warns-of-collapse-of-our-health-system-due-to-complications-from-covid-vaccines/


The Scary ! Weapon That Only Owned By Israel
vid> https://youtu.be/PoOsIQMg0rA (6:40) 11/11/21
https://www.israpundit.org/the-scary-weapon-that-only-owned-by-israel/


>> The Jordan Option, plain and simple
https://www.israpundit.org/the-jordan-option-plain-and-simple/
>> The Jordanian Option is the only game in town
https://www.israpundit.org/my-jordan-option-is-the-only-game-in-town/

Kindly donate to support the work I do
by Ted Belman

https://www.israpundit.org/please-support-the-work-i-do-2/
https://www.israpundit.org/my-half-yearly-appeal-for-donations/

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Quest For The Lost Tribes - Full Simcha Jacobovici Documentary

vid> https://www.bitchute.com/video/jbB2ELq4xPw/ (1:33:29) 8/18/19
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simcha_Jacobovici
12 Tribes of Israel: The Shevatim
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3798842/jewish/12-Tribes-of-Israel-The-Shevatim.htm
https://www.jewishvoice.org/read/blog/who-are-tribes-judah

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In Parsha Vayigash
Joseph reveals himself to his brothers in one of the most emotional scenes in our entire Torah and sets into motion a series of fateful steps that will determine the destiny of the Jewish people. The famine has brought the land of Egypt to its knees. Joseph asks his brothers to bring the entire family to the land of Goshen to sustain them during the remaining years of famine. With wagons filled with the best grains, produce and food from Egypt and an inspiring revelation from Hashem, Jacob loads a lifetime of memories into the waiting wagons and descends to Egypt. This week our Shabbat menu is  is revealing a tasty filling wrapped inside a flavorful chicken breast.
https://jamiegeller.com/holidays/a-revealing-shabbat-menu/

  Homestyle Shabbat Menu
https://jamiegeller.com/holidays/homestyle-shabbat-menu/
Best Barbecued Meatloaf
vid> https://youtu.be/DzJuiJ6HFz0 (10:50) JG classic
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/barbecued-meatloaf/

The Ritz: Breakfast Epiphanies
Facebook Live > They Don't Use the Phrase "the Ritz" for No Reason !
facevid> https://www.facebook.com/jamiegeller/videos/275633304403540/ (24:56)

Healthy Skillet Lasagna with Salad
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/healthy-skillet-lasagna-with-salad/

Chicken Thighs with Eggplant and Olives Over Pasta
Think of the obvious benefit of crockpot meals!  
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/chicken-thighs-with-eggplant-and-olives-over-pasta/

3 desserts, which are perfect for winter.
Cherry Bourbon Hand Pies
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/cherry-bourbon-hand-pies/  
Puff Pastry Apple Purses
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/puff-pastry-apple-purses/
Raspberry Twists
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/raspberry-twists/

AISH DESTINY, the life changing women's mission to Israel
The Aish Destiny Women’s Mission - Jan 31 - Feb 6, 2022
https://about.aish.com/destiny-women/

Jamie's Quick & Easy Shabbat Menu App
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/exclusive-jamie-gellers-menu-plans/
https://www.prepear.com/jamiegeller/cookbooks/quick-and-easy-shabbat-menus/

Simchat Torah Menus
https://jamiegeller.com/holidays/simchat-torah/
https://jamiegeller.com/holidays/simchat-torah-party-finger-food/
https://jamiegeller.com/holidays/shabbat/   
https://jamiegeller.com/holidays/

Vegan Recipes
https://jamiegeller.com/search?query=vegan+recipes  

This is Where You Can Find Me Most of the Time
JewLish - One People - Many Flavors
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLpomjPnHcZ/
https://www.instagram.com/jamiegeller/
https://www.facebook.com/jamiegeller
https://www.facebook.com/jewlishbyjamie/

LIVE Series: FEED YOUR SOUL
vid> https://youtu.be/b4Z5lLnuggE (49:18) JG
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/feed-your-soul/

Joy of Aliyah  

http://jamiegeller.com/tag/joy-of-aliyah/
https://jamiegeller.com/tag/joyofisrael/
Jamie Geller Welcome's You
vid> https://youtu.be/XO-owES713c (0:35) JG  
Lots of 💕 Jamie - Until next week Shabbat Shalom from Israel !  

The answer is, it's made with love from Israel ! 
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/my-jewish-food-memories/
My Love Affair With Jerusalem
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/my-love-affair-with-jerusalem/

The Jamie Geller Spice Collection: Now Available Worldwide!
Sending you love and my heartfelt wishes for peace, from Israel.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jamie+Geller/page/55E36343-CF6F-4E88-A4D5-D7C1C0274F7F
https://www.amazon.com/shop/jamiegeller  
Adding Israel Wildflower Honey to my Amazon collection
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BN1985Q/

Babies, Books, and a Billion Views: My Decade in Review
https://jamiegeller.com/from-jamie/a-decade-in-review/

Best of the Best w Hubby - Family Heirloom Cholent ...
vid> https://youtu.be/Ae2-lQVFsGw (12:01) 8/11/11 JG classic
https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/family-heirloom-chulent/

Jamie at Aish - Chief Media & Marketing Officer
https://www.aish.com/authors/48868432.html
https://www.aishhatorah.com/
How You Can Make the Future Brighter
vid> https://youtu.be/fclstyB-1rA (2:48) Aish
https://www.youtube.com/c/Aishdotcom/videos

The Influence of the Hebrew Bible on America's Founding Fathers
vid> https://youtu.be/jE6Sqh-kezw (7:15) J-TV
https://www.aish.com/jl/h/h/The-Influence-of-the-Hebrew-Bible-on-Americas-Founding.html
Serpents of Desire: Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden. An Introduction
https://www.aish.com/jl/b/eb/ge/48966101.html

Jamie Hanala Geller

https://jamiegeller.com/author/jamie-geller/
Tamar Genger MA, RD
https://jamiegeller.com/author/tgenger/
Titles by Jamie Geller
https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Geller/e/B001JS2GV8/
The High Holiday Recipe Collection - free eBook
https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/om8u2hvu10jwaeo5xuzi/
Beef Bacon 101 - free eBook
https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/jeithgmmua2s7fpzrgzk/
A Passover for Everyone - Aish and Jamie - free eBook
https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/sqyphcgmojgxtcq32ndx/
The Ultimate Challah - free eBook
https://koshernetwork.ac-page.com/pinterest-challah
Comforting Soups - free eBook
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Rosh Hashanah Sides - free eBook
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Modern Israeli Kebobs - free eBook
https://koshernetwork.acemlnc.com/lt.php?s=a476321cee1a62660d5e43a07fe84c19&i=109A824A1A5341
Modern Israeli Summer - free eBook
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https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/qlxqz3dqauo76fhgwlfd/
The Perfect Turkey Guide - free eBook
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Join My Way Better Cooking Class with Jamie Geller
https://get.waybetter.com/jamiegeller/

Then Judah came near [Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ] unto him and said, ‘Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to my lord. 
Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself. Genesis 44:18


Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Vayigash - God's Prophetic Plan and Seasons of Trials !!!

 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Welcome to this week’s Parasha (Torah Portion), which is called Vayigash (Then He Drew Near).
 
We know you will be blessed as you study with us this portion that will be read in synagogues around the world on this Shabbat (Saturday).  Enjoy!
 
VAYIGASH (Then He Drew Near)
Genesis 44:18–47:27; Ezekiel 37:15–28; Ephesians 2:1–22
 
“Then Judah came near [Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ] unto him and said, ‘Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to my lord.  Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.’ 
(Genesis 44:18)
 
In last week’s Torah portion, Pharaoh appointed Joseph administrator over all of Egypt in order to save the people of the nation from the coming famine.  That famine affected much of the region; and because of Joseph's wise stewardship, the nations looked to Egypt as a source of food.
 
When Jacob sent his sons to Egypt for grain, Joseph recognized them but did not reveal himself right away.  He wisely tested their integrity through a series of character challenges.
 

Joseph's Brothers Find the Silver Goblet in Benjamin's Pack (1833), by
Alexander Ivanov
 
Judah Reveals His True Character
This week, Parasha Vayigash begins with a plea from Judah, brother of Joseph, on behalf of his younger half-brother, Benjamin.  A silver cup had been deliberately planted in Benjamin’s bag by Joseph, causing Benjamin to be in danger of having to remain a slave in Egypt.
 
Judah can't bear to return to his father without his youngest brother, Benjamin.  He knows that the grief his father will endure for doing so will probably kill him.
 
He, therefore, pleads with Joseph, saying, “Please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers.  For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?”  (Genesis 44:33–34)
 
Judah seems to realize that his family's situation is related to the evil behavior of his brothers in selling Joseph, and he doesn't want such evil to befall them again if Benjamin is now lost in Egypt.
 
This confession of sin accompanied by sincere remorse and turning from the sin fulfills the Torah’s requirements for true repentance (teshuvah).
 

A Jewish man prays at the Western (Wailing)
Wall in Jerusalem.

Judah approaches Joseph privately and explains how it was difficult to bring Benjamin with him to Egypt since he is the only surviving son of Rachel, and his father is very attached to him.  He explains that he guaranteed the boy’s safety and is desperate to take his place as a slave.
 
Joseph, no longer able to control his emotions after seeing his brothers’ repentance, cries out for everyone to leave except his brothers.  He wants to be alone with them when he reveals his true identity.
 
“Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, ‘Make everyone go out from me!’  So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.  And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.’” 
(Genesis 45:1–2)
 
As Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, he comforts them“I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.  But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.”  (Genesis 45:5)
 

The Recognition of Joseph by His Brothers (c. 1816), by Peter Von Cornelius
 
God’s Sovereign Plan of Salvation Cannot Be Broken

In placing Joseph in charge of Egypt’s food supply, God wanted to do more than preserve the lives of the Egyptians and the nearby world from starvation due to a present famine.

By installing Joseph in a position of power to save his own family, God preserved the promise He made to Abraham, which included Israel being a blessing to the nations:

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 
(Genesis 12:2–3)

Specifically, this promise would be passed down through Isaac, not his brother Ishmael (Genesis 26:3–5); through Jacob, not his brother Esau (Genesis 28:14–15); and the promise of the Messiah would exclusively come through the line of Judah, not his other 11 brothers:
 
“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.”  (Genesis 49:10)
 
The one to whom the sovereign staff of rule belongs is the Messiah.
 

A Jewish woman recites prayers at the Western
Wall in Jerusalem.
 
God sovereignly chose Joseph to ensure that His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (not only of land but also of being a blessing to all nations through the Messiah) would be fulfilled through the line of Jacob’s son, Judah
 
Why did God choose Judah? 
 
Perhaps because he is the only brother who showed compassion toward Joseph, saving his life when his brothers wanted to kill him (Genesis 37:26–27).  And as we saw earlier, he showed even more compassion toward Benjamin by offering to become a slave in his place.
 
Both of Judah's acts foreshadowed what Yeshua (Jesus) would do for all of us spiritually. 
 
“By this we know what love is:  Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”  (1 John 3:16)
 
In the end, neither envy, nor jealousy, nor murderous plots against Joseph in his early years could derail God’s love and plan of salvation for us—and the hatred against the Jewish People today still can’t derail it.
 

Torah scroll
 
Jacob Reunites with Joseph
“And they told him, saying, ‘Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.’ And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them.”  (Genesis 45:26)
 
In this Parasha, Jacob is reunited with his beloved son Joseph.
 
Imagine hearing that your favorite child, whom you thought had been killed many years ago, is actually a governor of the nation next door!
 
This perhaps reminds many of us of the shock that Yeshua’s disciples experienced when they were told that Yeshua was not dead, but alive. 
 
They had seen Him die and witnessed His burial; yet, here He was alive and well, walking about because death was unable to hold Him.
 
“When they heard that Yeshua was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.”  (Mark 16:11)
 

The empty tomb
 
Joseph invited his father and all of his brothers into exile in Egypt to save them from the famine in Israel.  Leaving the Promised Land was not easy. 
 
God, however, assured Jacob that it was right to accept his offer, even though it would begin 400 years of brutal slavery for Jacob’s descendants.
 
“Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’  And he said, ‘Here I am.’  So He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there.  I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.’”  (Genesis 46:2–4)
 
During a previous famine, God instructed Jacob’s father, Isaac, to stay in the land.  But, in this instance, God told Jacob to leave.
 
This shows us how important it is to listen for God’s voice and obey rather than simply go with whatever decisions seem right to us, or rely on a solution that worked in the past.
 
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  (Proverbs 3:5–6)
 

Jewish boys pray at the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem.
 
Joseph was not only a powerful man; he was also an excellent provider.  He brought his father and all of his brothers to Egypt where he made sure they were well looked after.
 
“Then Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, according to the number in their families.”  (Genesis 47:12)
 
Again, we can draw a parallel to Yeshua—the living bread (lechem chayim) who was born in Beit-Lechem (Bethlehem), the house of bread.
 
The bread that Joseph provided for his brothers sustained them during their lifetime, but the bread that Yeshua gives us sustains life eternally.
 
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  Whoever eats this bread will live forever.  This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”  (John 6:51)
 

On Friday night just before sundown, Jewish families mark the Shabbat
with a special candle-lighting ceremony.  Following that, most families
recite prayers over wine and challah (braided egg bread).

Israel Reunites with Judah
The theme of this wonderful story of Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers, after so many years of being separated, continues in the Haftarah (prophetic reading), with the reunion of the northern and sou
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