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Vayeshev (2025)

Shabbat Vayeshev

Dvar Torah
Joseph is sold by his brothers into slavery and brought to Egypt, where, despite the bleakness of his circumstances, he refuses despair and adapts with grace to his new master’s household. Soon after, he is falsely accused by his master’s wife and cast into Pharaoh’s prison, once again stripped of all freedom. At this stage, we would readily forgive Joseph had he surrendered to hopelessness. Yet he musters remarkable resilience, rebuilding himself even in confinement and rising to a position of responsibility, extending compassion to his fellow prisoners.It is here that Joseph encounters two new inmates: Pharaoh’s dismissed Chief Baker and Chief Sommelier. The ensuing narrative—among the great biblical epics—unfolds from his interpretation of their dreams, which ultimately brings Joseph before Pharaoh, elevates him to viceroy of Egypt, and enables him to orchestrate the salvation of the entire region from famine, including his own family in Canaan.My father is fond of highlighting a vital hinge in the story: the entire saga, culminating later in the Exodus and the emergence of the Jewish nation, turns on Joseph’s simple question to the two officials, “Why are you downcast today?” That small act of genuine concern sets in motion world-shaping events. This understated compassion, expressed through a true and sincere inquiry after another’s wellbeing, reflects a defining Jewish trait of true care for our surroundings — emulating Hashem, of whom it is said: “G-d is good to all and has compassion on all His creations” (Psalms 145:8).

Shabbat in/out times
Yerushalayim 15:56/17:16
Tel-Aviv 16:15/17:17
Paris 16:36/17:48
London 15:33/16:50
NYC 16:11/17:14
Montreal 15:53/17:01
Denver 16:18/17:21
More Shabbat times

Shabbat Shalom!



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