Voices of WRJ: Vayigash

by Renee Roth The highlight of Parashat Vayigash is when Joseph shows his true identity to his brothers. Joseph is so excited to see his brothers that he reveals who he is, and sends his brothers to get their father, Jacob. Jacob is thrilled to know that his favorite son Joseph is alive, and he and his whole family move to Egypt. A true reconciliation and family reunion, complete with forgiveness of past sins. I can only imagine how Joseph feels as he stands before his brothers. He knows who they are. He knows that they cruelly abandoned him and sold him into slavery. How difficult must it be for Joseph to reveal who he is  after so many years later? Yet, Joseph tells them that all is okay, and they are forgiven. There are many instances in families where there are spats, fights, and/or disagreements. I can't think of any siblings I know who threw their brother or sister into a pit and allowed them to be sold as slaves—however, in our modern times, we certainly all experience the difficulty of The Apology. Sometimes, it's so hard to take the first step to apologize. Perhaps neither party will speak to the other for weeks, months, or even years.  I had 2 great uncles—my grandmother's brothers, Harry and Sam—who did not speak to each other during my lifetime. I do not know why they didn’t interact with each other. Actually, I think they had forgotten what their argument was all about in the first place. They only knew they didn't speak to each other. They would both attend family gatherings and simchas, but just did not interact with each other. Uncle Sam even went to Uncle Harry's funeral. How sad that the two brothers never reconciled! I have come to realize that when there is conflict in our relationships, the first step, agreeing to talk it out, is probably most helpful to repair hurt feelings and conflict. When each person is able and willing to say how they feel, and listen to the other, I think most of the time family members will each apologize and reconcile. Life is so short. If you find that you haven't spoken to a friend, sisterhood member, or relative because of some kind of disagreement, make the first move. Reach out and talk it out. Things can get better, and perhaps both will apologize to each other during the same conversation! Renee Roth is a WRJ Board member and the WRJ Southwest District Immediate Past President. She serves on many committees.