Art by Sefira Lightstone
This week’s Parsha (Vayeishev) continues the drama between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph was his father’s favorite which instilled jealousy among his brothers (shocker), culminating in their desire to kill, then ultimately scheme to fake his death and sell him to slavery in Egypt. We learn how they plotted to kill him until Reuben, the oldest of the brothers, convinces them to throw him into a pit. Reuben leaves, whereupon the remaining brothers decide to sell him to Egyptian merchants.
What happened as a result of this change of heart, from the brothers deciding to sell him rather than throwing him into the pit? Reuben, who had convinced them to put him there, had actually intended to return to the spot and rescue him. But, alas, he did not. So where was he when the sale took place? Our sages tell us that he had some reconciling to do for some previous misdeeds. He was breaking his fast as part of his repentance, according to some, or taking the time for deep prayer, according to others. By the time he returns from his holy activity, whichever it may have been, the brothers had changed their collective minds and sold Joseph into slavery.
What? How? What is going on here? Reuben is completely reprimanded for his actions later and, as a result, does not receive the priesthood (Levi) nor the kingship (Judah) but is passed over by his brothers. You see, while Reuben was involved in truly noble work, why was he busying himself in these matters while his brother was suffering?! Sure, there is a time to fast and a time to pray and “a time for everything under the heavens,” but the magic is knowing what time is for which. At a moment when our brother Joseph is going through this difficult predicament, we need to put our own agenda aside, regardless of how important it is, and figure out a way to get him out. The Rebbe would share this thought and then, getting emotional, traced back the entire exile and slavery in Egypt to stem from this episode. Had Reuben carried out his intention, Joseph would not have gone to Egypt nor would any of them eventually make themselves at home there. Of course, we believe that everything happens for a reason, but when duty calls, when someone else is in need of something, we don’t have the luxury to feel that we’re too busy with our own spirituality to get them out of “the pits.” So, as we approach Chanukah, let us take that to heart and shed added light of kindness and caring to ensure that this Chanukah be the brightest ever! Good Shabbos!