WRJ Voices: Mikeitz

Parashah Mikeitz begins with Joseph’s accurate interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams. Joseph, the favorite of Jacob’s 12 sons, had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. After years of imprisonment, Joseph was released from slavery due to his foretelling of the seven years of plenty followed by seven years of want. Upon his release from the pit where he was held captive, Joseph was elevated to the second highest position in Egypt. 

Preparation for the years of want did not extend to the land of Joseph’s father and brothers and famine was rampant throughout their land. Jacob sent 10 of his sons to Egypt to purchase grain keeping Benjamin at home.   When his brothers approach Joseph in Egypt they kneel before him without recognition, although Joseph knows them. He does not reveal himself to his brothers, much less embrace and forgive them. 

Joseph for twenty years has been away from his family and home, many of them held in a pit as a slave and he holds much resentment against his brothers. Will his brothers be accepting of him and ask forgiveness because they are repentant or because of the position Joseph now holds? Joseph chooses to put his brothers through a series of tests to see if they are worthy of his forgiveness.

How do we deal with forgiveness when we feel we have been wronged? 

An issue of the Huffington Post with an article entitled “Forgiveness is Power” begins, “Forgiveness transforms anger and hurt into healing and peace. Forgiveness can help you overcome feelings of depression, anxiety, and rage, as well as personal and relational conflicts. …It is about setting yourself free so that you can move forward in your own life.”

It may seem inconceivable to some on hearing the news following a murder that the victim’s family members come forward forgiving the perpetrator. What power of strength and faith these family members have; but perhaps by forgiving they are empowered over the perpetrator.

Forgiveness is freeing in that it allows a person to move on and not be imprisoned by the past and held captive with their negative feelings. For some it is a journey to reach a point where they are willing to forgive, such as the trials Joseph puts his brothers through.    

Once freed, Joseph does not return home, but remains in Egypt. He takes on a whole new life, not seeking out his family. Not until their second visit to Egypt does Joseph ask about Jacob.

I know of a mother and daughter who have not spoken for years due to some disagreement or slight. If either mother or daughter could be like Joseph and forgive the shortcomings of the other, perhaps the pain they feel from separation would lessen. 

Mikeitz ends as cliffhanger with Benjamin being held a slave for having the planted urn (a ploy by Joseph) in his possession. We witness Joseph turning away and weeping when he first sees Benjamin. Joseph’s breaking down is a sign of his maturation and ability to begin moving on.

For some, forgiveness may be an ongoing process like Joseph’s. And for others, it may be immediate with no strings attached. Whichever way forgiveness is derived, it makes for a freer, healthier person.

Diane Pont is a WRJ Board Member and Southwest District Area Director.  She is the treasurer of her Sisterhood at Congregation Beth Israel in Houston, Texas.