#askingforafriend

A thought for Parashas VaYigash

It’s been a hard week for the Jewish people. Although there have been some amazing things happening, it can be hard to see the light amidst the thick fog and haze. 

In response to these trying times, many within our community have actively engaged in efforts to support others, yet we've often neglected our own well-being. Each of us, as individuals, is grappling with our own hardships, enduring trauma that, in many ways, is still ongoing. We remain steadfast in our belief that these challenges won't defeat us. Our history as a people—both collectively and individually—speaks of resilience. But the question arises: how do we lift ourselves when we're enshrouded in such a dense, heavy fog?

Perhaps the answer can be found in this week’s Parsha.

As we know Yosef is favored by his father, Yaacov. His brothers all envy him and plot to kill him. Eventually, they throw him in a pit, from where he is extracted and sold to slavery. 

In Egypt, Yosef climbs the ranks due to his ability to analyze …