WRJ Voices: Vayigash

Is any family doomed to relive a violent past, over and over again, or is there always chance for transformation and growth?

Leadership, transformation, treason, envy, self-interest, favoritism... In Parashah Vayigash we learn that Joseph was part of a dysfunctional family; brothers who sold him as slave. Even in such context, he is able to remain elevated. His actions are those of a compassionate leader, with focus on his own inner values as opposed to reacting to his siblings’ behavior.

When famine reached them, he knew how to offer help with dignity. He did not give help in a spirit of superiority, but offered opportunity instead.

We live an era of transformation when there should be no place for individual benefit at the expense of others. It is worth here to mention Mrs. Carmen Lucia, the new Brizilian head of our Supreme Court. She does express courage, integrity and concern for the system. In the face of much adversity and temptation, she is able to keep humble integrity. She has been quite successful in promoting justice, rather than choosing to please the threatening powers which surround her! We can observe some similarity between the biblical figure of Josef, threatened by his brothers, and Carmen Lucia, threatened by so many.

In this light, we feel inspired by good examples and principles; the actual basis of an outstanding leadership! Humility, ethical behavior, deepening the study of lessons contained in the Torah; the most obvious as much as the somehow hidden ones. We are invited to apply them into our daily activities, trying not to forget the importance of listening deeply and exercising an open attitude. The ethical leader does not surrender to authoritarianism. He or she aims to have the ability to express truth, always in search for the best interests of the community.

When we consider our group activities, both biblical and political examples show us we are on the appropriate path.

Our activities are focused on building bridges among Jewish women of Latin America, through studying and learning together, having personal growth as our goal, happily living the chaguin and practicing tikkun olam. 

Ruth Bohm lives is Sao Paulo, Brazil and is the WRJ South American Liason to the Board of Directors.