Vayigash

וַיִּגַּשׁ
And [Judah] Approached [Joseph]

Genesis 44:18−47:27

When Is Vayigash Read?

/ 4 Tevet 5785
/ 7 Tevet 5786
/ 9 Tevet 5787

Summary

  • Judah pleads with Joseph to free Benjamin and offers himself as a replacement. (44:18-34)
  • Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them for selling him into slavery. (45:1-15)
  • Although the famine still rages, Pharaoh invites Joseph's family to "live off the fat of the land." (45:16-24)
  • Jacob learns that Joseph is still alive and, with God's blessing, goes to Egypt. (45:25-46:33)
  • Pharaoh permits Joseph's family to settle in Goshen. Pharaoh then meets with Jacob. (47:1-12)
  • With the famine increasing, Joseph designs a plan for the Egyptians to trade their livestock and land for food. The Israelites thrive in Egypt. (47:13-27)

Ten Minutes of Torah: Vayigash Commentary

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Seeking Forgiveness

By: Rabbi Kari Tuling

Over the past two and a half years, the Reform Movement has been engaged in a process of reconciliation following revelations of abuse. I am one of the people who was harmed. I have gained strength over these years from reading this week's portion, Vayigash, as it teaches that reconciliation is always possible.

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Video: Learn More About Parashat Vayigash With Bim Bam

Parashat Vayigash with Bim Bam

When Joseph first tests his brothers, Judah gets a chance to prove how far he's come. Rabbi Sydney Mintz tells about the three moral compasses of three very different brothers.

Listen to Podcasts on Parashat Vayigash

Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs discuss Parashat Vayigash in these episodes of his podcast, On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah.

Formed in the Wildernes

Jewish-Catholic Relations: On Reconnecting

Putting Judah in Judaism

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Rabbi Rick Jacobs