P² Parsha Perspectives: Parshat Vayeshev

Vayeshev: Finding Tranquility in Life's Challenges
By: Rabbi Yoel Lax
 

In this week's Parsha, "Vayeishev," meaning "And he settled," we delve into one of the most poignant moments in Jacob's life—the disappearance of his beloved son, Joseph.

The paradox of naming this portion "Yaakov settled" despite recounting his greatest upheaval prompts us to reflect on Rashi's commentary. When Jacob sought peace, the rift between Joseph and his brothers unfolded. But why did this happen?

Here, we encounter a profound principle: the belief that everything in our lives is orchestrated by God and serves a greater good.

Understanding the potential positive outcomes from negative situations can be challenging. In most instances, we struggle to grasp the silver lining.

In this case, God aimed to grant Jacob greater tranquility than he initially deserved. The entire ordeal involving Joseph being hated, thrown into a pit, sold to Ishmaelites, becoming an Egyptian minister, imprisoned, interpreting dreams, rising to Pharaoh's favor, saving Egypt from famine, encountering his brothers, and finally reuniting with his father after 22 years of hardship—all contributed to Jacob's ultimate tranquility.

Therefore, we aptly term the entire Torah portion of this week "Vayeshev." Even when the going gets tough, we must endeavor to perceive it as a settling. Encouragement becomes paramount, and what better encouragement than the assurance that behind the clouds, a silver lining awaits.

A Chassidic tale illustrates this point. A Chassid complained to his Rebbe about the cramped conditions in his house and sought prayers for a larger dwelling. The Rebbe's unconventional advice was to place a goat in the house, anticipating a miracle.

Days later, the Chassid returned, lamenting that the situation had worsened; the goat took up space and emitted unpleasant odors. The Rebbe, hearing this, advised the Chassid to remove the goat. The next day, the Chassid returned with gratitude: "Thank you; we now have enough space, and everything is lovely."

The only difference lay in their perception of events. Only when we see the real picture can we appreciate that everything is truly for the good. As Rav Chaim Drukman reminds us, the real miracle of Chanukah was the Maccabee victory against their mighty enemies. G-d added the miracle of the oil to teach us that something within the laws of nature, like winning a war, can also be a miracle.

In essence, our perception shapes the narrative. Let us strive to appreciate the miracles in our lives, recognizing that everything is for the good, and express gratitude to G-d for the miracles we experience "in those days in this time."

Wishing you a week filled with inspiration and positivity.