Voices of WRJ: Vayeishev

by Sharon Sobel The extraordinary story of Joseph’s early life, his preferential status to his father, the cruel betrayal by his brothers, and the deception that leads to his life in Egypt, is among the most vivid narratives in the Torah. Certainly, it is readily accessible to even our youngest children, who most likely will long remember a visual representation of the “ornamented tunic,” and its many colors. The themes of jealousy and rivalry are also pervasive, inasmuch as they so readily connect to a child’s sensibility and belief that he or she is the most loved in the family. But once we mature and begin to find our way in the world, it is more likely that our focus is on Joseph’s prophetic dreams, the telling of which are both provocative and illustrative of a very keen sense of self.

Once Joseph had a dream which he told to his brothers; and they hated him even more. He said to them, “Hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were binding sheaves in the field, when suddenly my sheaf stood up and remained upright; then your sheaves gathered around and bowed low to my sheaf.” His brothers answered, “Do you mean to reign over us? Do you mean to rule over us?” And they hated him even more for his talk about his dreams. (Genesis 37:5-8)

The deferential sheaves of the field are no metaphorical mystery, for Joseph dares to suggest his brothers are destined to bow to him. The circumstances under which this is to be realized are not revealed, but the damage has been done, for the initial resentment has been magnified to hatred.

He dreamed another dream and told it to his brothers, saying, “Look, I have had another dream: And this time, the sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing, down to me.” And when he told it to his father and brothers, his father berated him. “What,” he said to him, “is this dream you have dreamed? Are we to come, I and your mother and your brothers, and bow low to you to the ground?” So his brothers were wrought up at him, and his father kept the matter in mind. (Genesis 37:9-11)

The second dream, loftier and glorious, does not improve his familial relationships, for even Jacob is indignant by this prophesy. He admonishes his favorite son, perhaps wondering how and when Joseph will supplant him, and holds onto his doubt even as his sons hold onto their resentment. Perhaps more than any other literary narrative, a biblical story is crafted on elements of foreshadowing and its readers recognize the signal phrases that will bring critical events into play. But we may be missing a key message of Vayeishev if we simply recognize Joseph’s dreams as a literary device by which we recognize the trusted advisor and leader Joseph will become. Joseph is a dreamer, one who imagines himself in an alternate reality, where his ambitions and hopes might be realized. While a boy may be fearful of power, Joseph is intrigued by the possibilities. Perhaps he is emboldened to reveal his dreams because he already understands that destiny is not something that is simply written for us, but ultimately is something that we craft for ourselves. The women of WRJ and our many sisterhoods spend a great deal of time and energy on matters of very practical concerns. But this doesn’t define us, for our finest moments are revealed by the dreams we have and share. Whether we imagine a world of great equality and opportunity, or envision programs and educational initiatives that will make a mark on the Reform Movement, we embrace the power of our dreams. Our destiny will not be written for us. Nor will it be delivered by virtue of simply wishing that it be so. But it will be realized when the dreamers among us put forward what might otherwise remain in our imaginations as resolutions, motions, and concepts for consideration. When we gathered for the WRJ Assembly 2015 in early November, our proposed Constitutional revisions were approved, opening the door for a new category of membership in WRJ. We passed several resolutions urging socio-economic justice and civic responsibility, all strengthening the fabric of our lives. What was once dreamed by individuals has been formalized into one persuasive voice: we will be heard on matters of pay equity, paid family and medical leave, and the consequences of distracted driving. As it was for Joseph, the articulation of these dreams will lead to indignation and even anger. But that is not a reason to remain silent. It will be said someday that the Assembly in Orlando, FL endeavored to act upon our dreams, fondest hopes, and highest expectations. And all of us, stronger together, did everything in our collective power to make those dreams a reality.   Sharon Sobel is a WRJ Northeast District Vice President and a WRJ Board member. She earned her Ph.D. at Brandeis University, is a Professor of English Language and Literature, and a multi-published author of historical romance novels.