I’m a big fan of Stephen J. Dubner, Freakonomics Radio host and author of Turbulent Souls, a Catholic Son’s Return to his Jewish Family. His book recounts the journey to uncover his family’s secrets, forgotten relatives and pasts. It’s about reconciliation with family, accepting the identity chosen by his parents and forgiving himself for searching for his own identity.
The story of Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers in this week’s parashah, Vayigash, is one of the most dramatic scenes in the Bible. Twenty years later after being sold into Egyptian slavery, Joseph searches for the ultimate revenge against his brothers, but in the end, desires family above all else. In an emotionally charged scene, Joseph fears that the Pharaoh will reject his brothers as lowly shepherds and pleads with them to use the more honorable term, livestock consultants. It turns out that Pharaoh is delighted to be in the company of experienced shepherds and offers them the responsibility of taking charge of the royal flocks. As Joseph had valid concerns about his acceptance into Egyptian society, so did Mr. Dubner, who was resented and shut out by those relatives who had not accepted his parents’ conversions so many years ago. Joseph was fearful of revealing his brothers’ occupation as shepherds as the author was fearful of revealing to his family his desire to learn about his concealed past. As we enter a new secular year, may it bring us closer to healing family rifts and help us to reunite family and friends in love and sharing. Shabbat Shalom,
