Do you know something with such conviction that no argument can dissuade you?  Are you so certain that you no longer need any supporting evidence?  What would you do if you suddenly encountered something that flew completely in the face of that conviction?

In this week’s Torah portion, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.  He stands before them and openly declares “I am Joseph”  (Gen 45:3). 

How do the brothers react?  “They could not answer him because they were dumbfounded before him” (Ibid).

Imagine, they find their long lost brother, the one who their father has been mourning for years, and they just sit there and stare?  They should be rejoicing and embracing!  Why do they just stand there gaping?!

They couldn’t believe that that could be true.  In fact, until further proofs were brought, they remained skeptical of the idea (Gen Rabbah 93.8). 

It’s even more puzzling when you consider how many hints there were along the way.  Despite accusing them of being spies, Joseph sends them home out of concern for their family, he gives them provisions for the way, and he hosts them at his home for a private meal.  This is hardly how people usually treat suspected spies.  Further, he displays knowledge of their upbringing by asking about their “other brother” and by seating them based on seniority.  And that’s all besides for the fact that they knew very well what Joseph looked like. Would you be unable to identify your brother if he changed up his facial hair and clothing?

Perhaps the reason they could not believe that this was Joseph, was because they refused to accept that their brother could be anything but a good for nothing slave. 

Remember that they were jealous of Joseph with his cloak and they disliked him because of his dreams.  They stopped thinking of him as their brother and sold him into slavery.  They were so convinced that he would forever be a slave, that they couldn’t conceive of him turning out to be the viceroy of all of Egypt. 

If someone believes something hard enough and wants it to be true, he is able to ignore all evidence to the contrary and blind himself to reality.  There are so many people out there who bind themselves to a “personal truth” so tightly that they cannot see outside of their self constructed  box. 

Perhaps we should review some of the ideas we take for granted, invite in additional evidence, and keep ourselves open to the possibility of change…

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Altonaga and the JET Team