Parashat Vayeshev

Parashat Vayeshev begins the dramatic story of Joseph and his brothers, filled with themes of sibling rivalry, dreams, betrayal, and divine providence. It also introduces the moral struggles of Judah and the unfolding of God’s plan for the Israelites through unexpected events. Here's a summary:

1. Joseph’s Dreams and His Brothers’ Envy

  • Jacob, now settled in Canaan, favors his son Joseph, the firstborn of Rachel, and gives him a special multicolored coat, signifying his favoritism.
  • Joseph shares two dreams with his brothers:
    • In the first, their sheaves of grain bow to his sheaf.
    • In the second, the sun, moon, and eleven stars bow to him.
  • These dreams, coupled with Jacob’s favoritism, intensify the brothers’ jealousy and hatred toward Joseph.

2. Joseph Sold into Slavery

  • Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers, who are tending flocks in Shechem. When they see him coming, they conspire to kill him.
  • Reuben, the eldest, persuades them not to kill Joseph but to throw him into a pit, intending to rescue him later.
  • While Reuben is absent, the brothers sell Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites (or Midianites) heading to Egypt for twenty pieces of silver.
  • The brothers dip Joseph’s coat in goat’s blood and present it to Jacob, leading him to believe that Joseph has been killed by a wild animal. Jacob mourns deeply.

3. The Story of Judah and Tamar

  • Judah, Joseph’s brother, leaves his family and marries a Canaanite woman. He has three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah.
  • Tamar, Judah’s daughter-in-law, is widowed after Er and Onan die without leaving her children.
  • When Judah fails to give Tamar his youngest son, Shelah, as a husband, Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and tricks Judah into sleeping with her, conceiving twins, Peretz and Zerach.
  • This episode emphasizes themes of justice, responsibility, and the surprising ways in which the lineage of Israel unfolds.

4. Joseph in Potiphar’s House

  • Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. God blesses Joseph, and he becomes highly successful, earning Potiphar’s trust and being appointed as head of his household.
  • Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph, but he refuses, citing loyalty to his master and fear of sinning against God.
  • Enraged by his rejection, Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Joseph of trying to assault her. Potiphar has Joseph thrown into prison.

5. Joseph in Prison

  • Even in prison, God is with Joseph, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden, who puts him in charge of the other prisoners.
  • Joseph interprets the dreams of two fellow prisoners, Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker:
    • The cupbearer’s dream foretells his restoration to his position.
    • The baker’s dream predicts his execution.
  • Joseph asks the cupbearer to remember him and mention him to Pharaoh, but the cupbearer forgets, leaving Joseph in prison.

Key Themes:

  1. Sibling Rivalry and Jealousy:

    • The tension between Joseph and his brothers illustrates the destructive potential of favoritism and envy within families.

  2. Dreams and Divine Providence:

    • Joseph’s dreams foreshadow his future role as a leader and savior, reflecting the theme of divine guidance through dreams.

  3. Moral Challenges and Integrity:

    • Joseph’s refusal to yield to Potiphar’s wife demonstrates his steadfast moral character and loyalty to God.

  4. Redemption and Responsibility:

    • Judah’s transformation begins with his acknowledgment of wrongdoing in the Tamar episode, setting the stage for future growth.

  5. God’s Hidden Hand:

    • Despite the trials Joseph faces, God’s providence is evident in his success and the unfolding of events that will lead to the salvation of his family.

Parashat Vayeshev weaves together the personal struggles of Joseph, Judah, and their family while introducing key elements of the broader narrative of the Israelite journey. It highlights the complexities of human behavior and the unseen workings of divine plans.

Back to blog