Parshas Vayigash 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- Dec 25, 2025
- 2 min read
ויגש אליו יהודה ויאמר בי אדני ידבר נא עבדך דבר באזני אדני ואל יחר אפך בעבדך ... (מד-יח)
Chazal teach us that the word "ויגש" implies coming closer in a threatening and confrontational manner. It is interesting to note the dichotomy in tension from last week’s closing story to this week’s showdown.
At the end of Parshas Mikeitz, the shevatim seemed cowed and intimidated by the predicament they faced, and the charges hurled against them by the seemingly unyielding master of Egypt. Now, Yehuda is suddenly fearlessly and ferociously pitting himself against Yosef, the very same Egyptian ruler. How did such a thing happen?
Many meforshim discuss this transformation. R’ Shimon Schwab zt”l quotes from R’ Yosef Leib Bloch zt”l, the Telzer Rav and Rosh Yeshivah, the following machshava. Truthfully, all the brothers, including Yehuda himself, were terrified regarding the accusations leveled against them, but Yehuda, who represents malchus and authority, remembered the achrayus he had accepted upon himself. That triggered a renewed energy and strength he didn’t even know he possessed. It was with the reality of that accountability that he turned to face Yosef with the conviction to either exonerate Binyamin or fight till the end. In life, we too are sometimes challenged and rightfully feel overwhelmed.
It is worth remembering this concept. There lies within each of us an extra dose of fortitude that we can tap into and access with the realization that it is up to us, it is our problem to solve. My Bubby a”h, often explained the beracha, "הנותן ליעף כח" - He gives strength to the weary,” as follows: Hashem gives an extra dose of koach specifically to the weary because they have become sapped through facing their adversities, realizing their responsibilities. May Hakadosh Boruch Hu give us all the koach and clarity to face and overcome all the nisyonos hachaim b’siyata dishmaya.