2020/5780

Seifer BeReishit concludes, “VaYamot Yoseif Ben Mei’ah Va’Eser Shanim VaYachantu Oto VaYisem Ba’Aron BeMitzrayim,” “Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt” (BeReishit 50:26). This Pasuk poses multiple questions. First, it seems like Seifer BeReishit is ending abruptly and randomly. Yoseif isn’t buried. Why didn’t Yoseif seek immediate burial like his father Ya’akov Avinu? All he does is ask his children to remember him and take his bones to Eretz Yisrael. Secondly, being that this is the last Pasuk in the Seifer, everyone in an Ashkenazic congregation calls out, “Chazak Chazak VeNitchazeik,” “Strength, strength and we shall be strengthened” afterwards. Is it respectful to call out “Be strengthened” right after we hear that Yoseif HaTzaddik’s death? It would have made more sense to end the Seifer with Ya’akov being buried in Eretz Yisrael and Yoseif forgiving his brothers and them reconciling. There must be a reason for this abrupt ending. What is it? Alexander the Great (356-322 BCE), king of Macedonia, and ruler of most of the civilized world died at a young age. Before he embarked on his conquest of Asia, he inquired into the welfare and stability of his loyal followers, lest their dependents fall poverty-stricken during the long battle. After assessing their needs he disbursed nearly all his royal resources amongst his faithful. His friend General Perdiccas was surprised: “What have you reserved for yourself?” he asked the mighty ruler. “Hope,” answered the king. “There is always hope,” replied Perdiccas. “In that case,” replied his followers, “we who share in your labor shall share in your hope.” With that they refused the wealth that Alexander gave them. Maybe there is great reasoning in the adjacency of Yoseif being placed in his Aron and us yelling out cheers of joy. Yoseif’s purpose in this world was to leave more than just memories. He wanted to show his family who outlived him some empathy. He would not find his final resting place until the doldrum of slavery in Mitzrayim was over. Yoseif, the first child of Ya’akov to die in Mitzrayim, understood that along with his death, the long Galut would slowly begin. Slowly Bnei Yisrael would turn from visitors to strangers, and from strangers to potential enemies that need to be stopped. Yoseif also understood one day, the Galut would end, and Bnei Yisrael will be free once again. By remaining in his coffin, Yoseif broadcasted his message of Emunah and Bitachon in Hashem, and simultaneously the Ge’ulah and his most awaited burial. This is a message we need to take in all generations. You can’t just sit there and think, “It’s just a pile of bones in a box,” you must look at the Emunah and Bitachon inside that box. The Seifer is ending on a very high note. Yoseif HaTzaddik is demonstrating to all the immense faith we need to display towards HaKadosh Baruch Hu. And with that we all joyously call out that we should be strengthened in our Emunah that one day our Ge’ulah will begin, and we will all return to the holy land of Eretz Yisrael, and to the Beit HaMikdash BiMeheirah BeYameinu.