Parasha Vayeishev
SAN DIEGO — As we here in San Diego face a new set of lockdowns, many continue wondering, okay, complaining, about the decisions of those who are “in charge.” This week’s Torah reading answers the question of who is in charge quite clearly. Just when we think all is well with our health, in our family, with our career, in our lives, G-d shows us He has another lesson for us to learn. It seems the only thing predictable about life is how unpredictable it can be.
A lesson? Yes, a lesson. The Hasidic notion of yeridah tzorech aliyah, meaning “descent for the sake of ascent” comes to mind. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. The only reason we fall is to rise. Perhaps this is a key life lesson in this week’s parasha.
You’ve heard it many times, “Man plans, G-d laughs.” Or perhaps, like me, you’ve heard this version, “Mentsch tracht, Gott lacht.” I like “Man thinks, G-d winks.” Regardless, like all of us who prefer to live without being mutchet or tcheppeht, (pressured or bothered), Jacob found that life has its challenges and disappointments.
At the beginning of the parasha, we read that Jacob sent Joseph to Hebron. But later Joseph sees it’s all G-d’s will and shares with his brothers to relieve them of guilt for having exiled him from the family, “So it was not you who sent me here, but Hashem” Says Nachmanides, “G-d was with Joseph because Joseph realized that whatever he accomplished came from Hashem. Joseph understood that his achievements were not solely the result of his talents. He was G-d’s instrument.” What may have appeared to be Jacob’s choice to send Joseph from Hebron, Joseph understood, was an unfolding of Hashem’s blueprint after all. Jacob may have thought it was his decision to send Joseph away, but with a richer understanding that this week’s reading offers, we see that he was a partner in Hashem’s plan. Yes, we all have our plans, but Hashem is in control. Free will? It lives in G-d’s plan with whom we partner.
From Rashi we learn that Jacob wanted to live in peace, in shalva, in tranquility, but it was not to be. From the Ramban we learn the notion that we can plan all we want, but it is G-d’s ultimate plan that takes precedence, “Hagezera emet, vehacharitzut sheker.” We live as partners with G-d, between our own free will and G-d’s blueprint for us. Mishlei 19:21 teaches us, “There are many thoughts in a man’s heart, but God’s plan, that shall stand.”
As we celebrate Chanukah during a most challenging time in the history of our generation, we may learn from this parasha that setbacks in life are never permanent. Look at how we triumphed over the attraction of an alien culture to bring this Festival of Lights.
Do you see His hand in your life, or do you still believe “those in charge” are the ones determining such things as lockdowns in life? When His plan deviates from our own hopes and dreams, do we come closer to Him or are we so shaken that we turn away? Do we not learn that every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback? When we daven, when we pray, we would be wise to be mindful of the words that teach us that, like Joseph who saw that Hashem was always with him, that He is with us, teaching us, guiding us, and always assisting us. Those fortunate enough to see this undoubtedly lead a rich, comforted, life. Nachum Ish Gamzu and later Rabbi Akiba certainly saw this.
From Nachum Ish Gamzu’s name we learn the phrase, “gam zu l’tovah” meaning, “This, too, is for the good.” And from Rabbi Akiba we learn, “Kol man d’avid Rachmana l’tav avid,” which means, “All that the Merciful One does, He does for good.”
As we continue to increase in our love, renewal and healing during this time of adversity, may our Chanukah lights add clarity to our vision and help us more unambiguously partner with and openly dwell with the One who truly lights and guides our lives.
Chag Urim Sameach, Happy Chanukah!
*
Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun. He may be contacted via michael.mantell@sdjewishworld.com