This week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, from Genesis 44:18 to 47:27, invites reflection on the theme of human transformation. As the Gregorian calendar approaches January, many individuals commit to New Year’s resolutions, often with little success. Research indicates that only about one in ten people maintain their resolutions for an entire year. This raises an important question: are humans deluding themselves about their capacity for change, or is genuine transformation achievable?
Jewish Tradition and Self-Reflection
For many Jewish individuals, the concept of self-improvement is central to the month of Elul, the final month of the Jewish calendar. This period serves as a spiritual preparation leading up to the High Holy Days, particularly Rosh Hashanah. The juxtaposition of these two calendars provides an opportunity for introspection on the potential for change.
The opening chapters of the Torah depict humanity’s struggle with accountability. In the Genesis narrative, Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden is coupled with their lack of remorse when confronted by God’s question, “Ayeka?” or “Where are you?” Instead of owning their actions, they shift blame onto each other, resulting in their expulsion from Eden. Medieval scholar Rabbi Joseph Albo posits that their fundamental error was not the act itself, but their failure to accept responsibility afterward.
Confronting Accountability in Genesis
This theme of accountability recurs throughout early Genesis, particularly in the story of Cain after the murder of his brother, Abel. Cain’s evasive response, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” underscores a recurring human challenge: acknowledging one’s failures and committing to genuine change.
As the narrative progresses in Vayigash, the actions of Joseph and his brother Judah illuminate this very question. In the previous portion, Miketz, Joseph, now in a position of power, has orchestrated a situation that threatens the enslavement of his brother Benjamin. This act sets the stage for a dramatic transformation.
Judah steps forward, offering to take Benjamin’s place as a form of sacrifice. This moment signifies a radical change from his earlier behavior, where he suggested selling Joseph into slavery. In this instance, Judah chooses to protect his brother, establishing a new identity that prioritizes family loyalty over past grievances.
Joseph’s response to Judah’s transformation is pivotal. Moved by Judah’s genuine remorse, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers and extends forgiveness without requiring an apology. He emphasizes that their past actions were part of a divine plan, enabling him to provide sustenance during a time of famine.
Jewish tradition venerates Joseph as Yosef HaTzaddik, or Joseph the Righteous One, due to his remarkable capacity for growth. He evolves from a self-absorbed youth into a leader who understands his role within a larger context. This evolution highlights the central message of the Book of Genesis: humanity’s journey from initial incapacity for reflection to the emergence of individuals capable of moral responsibility.
As Jewish communities focus on introspection during the High Holy Days, the concept of New Year’s resolutions resonates universally. Despite the likelihood of not fulfilling all resolutions, the act of setting them embodies a recognition of our potential for growth. The teachings from Vayigash reinforce that individuals are not fixed entities; rather, they possess the capacity for transformation and moral agency.
Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin, senior rabbi at Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park, articulates this message by reminding us that even amidst the challenges of change, the human spirit embodies resilience and the potential for renewal. In essence, the Torah serves as a guide, encouraging all of us to embrace the journey of growth, regardless of the obstacles we may encounter.
