In this week’s Parashah, we have the famous reunion of Yaakov and Yoseif. After being separated for many years, they are finally able to reunite. One could only imagine that their first interaction would be quite emotional, and in fact, we see the emotion from Yoseif. The Pasuk tells us only that Yoseif cries: “VaYipol Al Tzavarav VaYeivk Al Tzavarav Od” (BeReishit 46:29). Rashi, quoting the Midrash, writes that in fact, only Yoseif cries, while Yaakov Avinu recites Keriat Shema.
The obvious question is, couldn’t Yaakov find another time to recite Shema? He has gone so many years without seeing Yoseif, so why would now be the appropriate time to say Shema? Furthermore, even before Yaakov goes down to Egypt, when he finds out that Yoseif is indeed alive, he regains his happiness. The Meshech Chochmah comments that once Yaakov regains his Simchah, he is able to offer a sacrifice. Yaakov is clearly overwhelmed with excitement and is very eager to see Yoseif, so why would it be that in his first interaction with Yoseif, Yaakov decides to recite Shema? What happened to Yaakov’s excitement.
The Netziv suggests a fascinating interpretation as to why Yaakov insists on reciting Keriat Shema at this time. Based off of Targum Yonatan, the Netziv criticizes Yoseif HaTzaddik. Yoseif has a clear agenda; he wants his original dreams to come to fruition. Although Yoseif has proper intentions, since this could be considered a prophecy, Yoseif approaches Yaakov with his majestic clothing. Yaakov is unable to recognize Yoseif and as a result bows down to Yoseif, thinking this is either Pharaoh or some prominent member of the king’s court. When Yaakov realizes it is Yoseif, Yaakov is embarrassed that he bowed down to his son. Chazal criticize Yoseif for making Yaakov feel embarrassed, and Yoseif is punished, according to Chazal, by having his life shortened. In order for Yaakov to flee from embarrassment, he does the one thing that enables him to escape the situation: recite Keriat Shema.
We see from this whole episode is the power of Keriat Shema. By reciting Keriat Shema, Yaakov was able to gain protection. Why does the recitation of Keriat Shema protect? We suggest, based on the Gemara (Menachot 99b), that Keriat Shema is a form of Talmud Torah. If a person recites Keriat Shema both during the day and night, they fulfill the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah (on a minimal level). The Gemara (Sotah 21a) compares Torah to light; just like light protects someone by shining all day, so too, Torah protects us. With this understanding, we can appreciate what Yaaokv Avinu was trying to accomplish. Yaakov felt vulnerable, and what he taught us is that if one wants to feel safe and protected, one should engage in Talmud Torah.