To Judah and his brothers, the man standing in front of them who held their lives in balance, was a complete stranger. And not just a stranger, but an outsider. They were there to beg for mercy, a reprieve from the intensive famine ravaging the region. And here they were at the mercy of people who appeared not to have their best interests in mind. This is what makes what happens in this week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, all the more surprising. Not only is Pharaoh’s second in command not a stranger, but it turns out he is family. Joseph’s revelation of his true identity is a reminder to us all, not to judge the book by the cover and always believe in the best of human nature.
The terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Australia has created a deep wound in our Jewish Neshamahs. Once again it feels like the world is against us. Is there anywhere in the world where we can feel safe? And, yet looking at the story a little closer, there is reason to hope. The actions of Ahmed Al Ahmed, a Syrian refugee and shop owner, stepped into action, grabbing the shotgun from one of the attackers and in doing so saving countless others. Sometimes the heroic intervention will come from an unexpected place. Thank you, Mr. Al Ahmed, not only for your specific actions, but for reaffirming all our sense of humanity.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex