TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

TORAH WEEK 11 VAYIGASH

11 - Torah Portion: Vayigash ("And He Came Near") וַיִּגַּשׁ

Portion Summary
Vayigash, meaning "and he approached," begins with Judah approaching Joseph to plead for the release of his brother Benjamin. This portion unfolds with Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers, leading to reconciliation and a heartfelt reunion with his family. Jacob and his family then move to Egypt, settling in the land of Goshen. This portion highlights themes of forgiveness, unity, and YHVH's sovereignty in using trials to fulfill His promises.

In this eleventh reading from the Book of Genesis is named Vayigash, meaning "and he came near." This title comes from the opening verse, "Then Judah [came near] to him" (Genesis 44:18). This portion describes the dramatic revelation of Joseph's identity and his reconciliation with his brothers. It then recounts the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt and the remaining famine years, setting the stage for the eventual Egyptian captivity of Jacob's descendants.

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OpeningPrayer:
Hebrew:
ברוךאתה אדונאי יהוה אבינו ריבון הבריאה אשרנתן לנו את תורת האמת שלך,משתילבתוכנו חיי נצח באמצעות ישוע משיחנו,ברוךאתה ה'אלוקינואדונאי מלך הבריאה.

broch ata adonai yahva avinu ribon habri'a asher natan lenu et toret ha'amet shlach, mishtil betuchnu hay nitzch be'amtza'ot yeshua mesichanu, broch ata h' elokinu adonai melech habri'a.

English:
Blessedare you Adonai YHVH our Father, Sovereign of Creation, who has givenus your Torah of truth, implanting within us eternal life throughY'shua our Messiah, Blessed are you YHVH Eloheinu Adonai, King ofCreation.

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Torah
Genesis 44:18-34: Judah's heartfelt plea to Joseph on behalf of Benjamin, displaying a sacrificial love and deep concern for his father Jacob's well-being.
Genesis 45:1-28: Joseph reveals his identity, expressing forgiveness, and assures his brothers that YHVH used their actions for good to save lives during the famine.
Genesis 46:1-34: Jacob's journey to Egypt, where YHVH assures him of His presence and promises to make Israel a great nation there.
Genesis 47:1-13: Jacob's family settles in Goshen, and Joseph provides for his family during the famine.

Targum
Genesis 44:18-19: Judah approaches Joseph, pleading for mercy on behalf of his father Jacob, acknowledging the deep sorrow and distress that would be caused if Benjamin is kept in Egypt.
Genesis 45:13-14: Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, urging them to bring their father Jacob to Egypt and embrace the joy of reconciliation, while assuring them of God's purpose in the events.
Genesis 46:17-21: The passage lists the descendants of Jacob's sons, detailing the names of those who came to Egypt with Jacob, as well as the specific number of people in each family.

Nevi'em
Ezekiel 37:15-28: The prophecy of the two sticks, symbolizing the reunification of Judah and Israel, relates to Joseph and Judah's reconciliation and the future unity of Israel under YHVH.
Isaiah 55:1-13: A call to seek YHVH and turn to Him, symbolizing the abundant forgiveness seen in Joseph's actions and YHVH's grace towards His people.
Joel 2:1-13: A call for repentance and returning to YHVH, showing that He is gracious and compassionate, similar to Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers.
Micah 5:7-9: Israel's role as a source of blessing among the nations, foreshadowing Israel's growth in Egypt.
Zechariah 9:9-10; 14:2-4: Prophecies of the coming of a peaceful ruler, pointing to Messianic fulfillment and connecting to Joseph's role as a savior to his family and Egypt.