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Drash for Shabbat Miketz-Hanukkah By Lesli Todd - December 22, 2006 In this week’s portion, we read about the meeting of Joseph and his brothers. In the years after they had sold him into slavery, he had served time in prison and risen to power and position as vizier, second in command over all Egypt, answering only to pharaoh. Although we know that Joseph has changed during this time, we can only imagine the dynamics of changes his brothers have undergone. When separated by time and distance from our family members, we fail to observe the daily influences that help us to change and grow as individuals. We remember the issues left unresolved from our history together however... Joseph remembered his brothers’ jealousy and sought to test their loyalties: He spoke harshly to them, accusing them of being spies. He questioned them of their father’s well-being, He required them to return with Benjamin, as proof of their integrity. Reuben felt guilty and reminded his brothers how he told them not to spill his blood, when collectively they threw Joseph into the pit. He offered the lives of his own sons to Jacob as collateral to bring Benjamin to and from Egypt Simeon was bound and held captive until the brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin. Judah offered himself as surety for Benjamin’s safety. We are only granted a glimpse into the family dynamics - the feelings of four brothers out of twelve are slightly revealed. Was Reuben the self-righteous "told-you-so" sibling? Was Simeon the self sacrificing "matyr-child," or was Judah? We can relate these iconic traits to ourselves and our family members, as we analyze circumstances and behaviors, and monitor individual growth. Do we not want to brag at our family gatherings of achievements and accomplishments since we last met? Do we dread falling into the old often uncomfortable roles we played as younger versions of who we are today? Do we embrace long lost relatives upon seeing them again, or test them first to see if they’ve changed? We can read Miketz as a reunion story modeling behaviors. We can aspire to forgive - and remember - the ties that bind us together. One big happy family, one people, under one God, with liberty and justice, for all. Amen. Happy Hanukkah & Shabbat Shalom. |
