This week we read the last Parasha of the first book of the Torah, which among other things tells us about the blessings of Jacob the patriarch to his children, assigning a special role to each tribe, and also about the death of Jacob and Joseph.

The sages interpret that Joseph was the vehicle in which the people of Israel reached Egypt.  However, Joseph is also credited with, thanks to his blessing and spiritual power, having redeemed and liberated the people of Israel 210 years later.

What was Joseph’s action that, through his merit, the people of Israel managed to be freed from slavery many years later?  Why is this merit attributed only to Joseph and not to his brothers?

The distinction on the spiritual level between Joseph and his brothers is notable.  While Joseph’s brothers, and even his own father Jacob, dedicated themselves to being cattle herders, Joseph became the viceroy of Egypt.  The pastoral office gave his brothers free time to study the Torah, meditate, pray, and cultivate his spirituality.

On the contrary, the position of Viceroy of Egypt, the environment and the situation in which Joseph found himself prevented him from dedicating himself fully to spiritual matters.  As administrator of the Egyptian economy, with the enormous responsibility of feeding the population, it was difficult for him to find time for the spiritual.  Despite this, the Torah states that Joseph was on a higher spiritual level than his brothers.

The Sages explain that this is because Joseph, despite being immersed in material things, did not lose his spirituality or the values ​​and tradition transmitted by his father.  He lived in both worlds, the spiritual and the material, managing to maintain a balance between both and constantly elevating himself in the spiritual aspect.  This delicate and difficult balance was what made the difference between him and his brothers and is what led to his success.

The Jewish people learned this lesson from Joseph: during harsh slavery, they managed to remain faithful to tradition despite the difficulties.  They survived in both worlds, just as Joseph did.  Joseph left us a clear message for everyday life.  By his example, he showed us how to maintain balance between the two worlds, the spiritual and the material.

We live in a consumerist and materialistic society, where it is very easy to lose our identity.  However, it is our duty to strive to find the necessary space in our daily lives to preserve our traditions and spiritual values.

Today more than ever, we must strive to openly maintain our Jewish identity and traditions.  Our brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Army give their all for the existence of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.  They are a true example of effort and dedication, maintaining the balance of being a strong and powerful army, and at the same time maintaining ethics and morals based on the principles of the spiritual values ​​of our tradition.  Let us also try to maintain balance in the diaspora.

As we conclude the first book of the Torah, we will say together in the synagogue: “Chazak Chazak Venitchazek,” which means “Strength, strength, and may we be strengthened.”  May God send strength to all the soldiers, the kidnapped, the wounded, their families and the families who lost their loved ones.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Refael Cohen