(Genesis-44:18-47:27)

(Haftara: Ezekiel 37:15-28)

1. [45:3] After Yehudah’s speech, Yosef suddenly tells his brothers that he is Yosef. What did Yehudah say that convinced Yosef to reveal his identity after all this time?
2. [46:1] “…and he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Yitzchak.” Why did Ya’akov offer sacrifices to the God of his father Yitzchak. Why doesn’t the pasuk say that he offered sacrifices to his own God?
3. [47:9] “…few and bad were the days of my life…” Ya’akov sees his life as having been worthless.  However, the midrash sees Ya’akov as being the greatest of our forefathers.  What makes Ya’akov so great?
4. [Yechezkel 37:15] “And the word (or thing) of God came to me saying.” When a prophet hears “the word (or thing) of God”, what does he hear or experience?  If it is a voice, is it a man’s voice or a woman’s voice, young or old?  The message seems to be in words. How does the prophet experience this?
5. [Haftara: 37:24] “…and they shall all have one shepherd…” In another messianic vision, we are told that “all your children will be taught by God” (Yeshayah 54:13)—everyone will have a direct relationship with God. Here, we are told that there will be one leader on the model of a shepherd. If everyone will have a direct relationship with God, why is there a need for a shepherd-like leader?

Commentary

[45:13] “Tell my father about all the honour I receive in Egypt”.

Tell my father that I have reached the stage where I can get honour from people without it disturbing my service of God.  The honour I get is meaningless to me and does not affect me at all.

–R. Simcha Bunim of Peshischa (1765-1827)

This study page is dedicated to the memory of Gad Eliahu ben David and Kochava–Eli Zucker

And  to the memory of Sarah Bella bat Yitzchak Kummer, Chaim Yosef Yechiel ben Eliyahu Kummer and Eliyahu and Margaret Kummer