Parashat Vayeishev begins with the words: “And Jacob dwelt in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan” (Genesis 37:1). After years of wandering, hardships, and trials, Jacob sought to finally rest and live in peace. However, Rashi, based on the Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (84:3), teaches us: “Jacob sought to dwell in tranquility, but the turmoil of Joseph sprang upon him. The righteous seek to dwell in tranquility, but Hashem says: Is it not enough for the righteous what is prepared for them in the World to Come? Must they also seek tranquility in this world?”
The Midrash teaches us that Jacob, like all righteous individuals, was not destined for peace in this world. Hashem reminds Jacob—and us—that life is not a place of comfort but rather of mission and toil. This world is where we progress, often through challenges, toward fulfilling the grand Divine plan. Thus, the story of Joseph being sold to Egypt, which initially appears as a family tragedy, is later revealed as the beginning of the process of redemption—the descent of the Children of Israel to Egypt and their eventual Exodus.
The Ramban further emphasizes that behind the story of Joseph and his brothers, Hashem is already orchestrating history toward the redemption of the Jewish people. Even when His ways seem hidden and difficult to comprehend, Hashem is always leading the nation toward its destiny.
Within this narrative, Joseph himself expresses a deep desire to reunite the family. When he goes out to seek his brothers, he says: “I seek my brothers” (Genesis 37:16). Joseph is not merely looking for them physically; he aspires to mend the familial rift. He seeks to transform the divided family into a united, loving unit. Joseph, with his vision, attempts to break the cycle of jealousy and strife that began with Cain and Abel and continued throughout the Book of Genesis.
From this, the message for our generation is clear: we must strive for unity within the Jewish people. Like Joseph, we must declare, “I seek my brothers,” and work to strengthen the bonds between us, see the good in others, and pursue peace.
We conclude with a prayer: May we merit to see the Jewish people united as one family, free of jealousy and strife, and may all the hostages return speedily to their homes, their families, and to the entire nation of Israel.
In commemoration of the international Shabbat of prayer for the hostages, take a look at this video and connect to our brothers and sisters in captivity:
Shabbat Shalom,
Yiska Guberman and the JET Team
