5786/2025
The Parashah begins with the epic confrontation between Yehudah and Yosef. Yehudah is battling tirelessly against a cruel and unwavering tyrant to secure the release of his younger brother. His primary argument is shielding the inevitable pain and sorrow that will be experienced by an old and frail father. As Yehudah explained, “It will happen that when he sees the youth is missing he will die, and your servants will have brought down the hoariness of your servant our father in sorrow to the grave” (BeReishit 44:31).
After an emotional plea, Yosef finally responds, “I am Yosef. Is my father still alive? But his brothers could not answer him because they were left disconcerted before him” (45:3).
The Midrash Rabbah (93:10) has a fascinating insight into Yosef's concise response. “Woe to us for the day of judgment. Woe to us for the day of rebuke. Yosef, the smallest of the tribes, and his brothers still could not respond to him. All the more so for us when Hashem will one day rebuke us for who we truly are.”
The Midrash raises certain fundamental and obvious questions. What exact rebuke did Yosef offer his brothers that completely silenced them? Why is Yosef asking if his father is still alive? Yehudah just told him that Ya’akov was still alive! Additionally, how does this rebuke serve as a warning signal for our inevitable judgment with Hashem?
The Beit HaLevi offers a penetrating insight into this perplexing Midrash. The entire thrust of Yehudah’s argument was the overwhelming concern for the welfare of his father. It was inconceivable to separate Binyamin from his elderly father. In one sentence, however, Yosef highlighted the inherent contradictions in the argument. He proclaimed, “I am Yosef. Is my father still alive?” (45:3). If the brothers truly cared about their father, then where was their concern during the sale of Yosef. The sale caused unimaginable pain and grief. “I am Yosef” was a strong reminder of the actions that were taken against their father. At that point, their arguments faded away and the brothers were forced into an utter silence.
Yosef’s question of is my father still alive is just a rhetorical question. Is it possible for my father to still be alive? After you put him through so much pain and suffering how can he still be alive!
The Midrash concluded, “Yosef, the smallest of the tribes, and his brothers still could not respond to him. All the more so for us when Hashem will one day rebuke us for who we truly are.” The Beit HaLevi explains that one day every single person will enter into a Day of Judgment and reckoning with Hashem. Each person will need to explain all actions that were performed during his lifetime. During our lifetimes, we often make rationalizations or justifications for failing to fulfill our spiritual ambitions. Once we enter into judgment with Hashem, however, all rationalizations and justifications will quickly dissipate. The inherent contradictions in our excuses will be brought to full focus.
The rebuke of Yosef should inspire and empower us to lead consistent and truthful lifestyles, as we strive for greater spiritual heights.