Pride, Prejudice, & Torah

You may be familiar with the novel, Pride and Prejudice. It is an 1813 novel of manners written by Jane Austen. The novel follows the character development of Elizabeth Bennet who learns about the repercussions of hasty judgments and comes to appreciate the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness. Its humor lies in its depiction of manners, education, marriage, and money during the Regency era in Great Britain. Now allow me to introduce you to the character development of Joseph, the viceroy of Egypt and his brother, Judah. The dialog between Joseph and Judah is one that is filled with hasty judgments, pride, and prejudice. The character development that takes place in Joseph and Judah sets the precedent for the future generations of Israel and helps us to understand the contentions that will take place between the Southern and Northern kingdoms of Israel. You really cannot understand the Torah and the books of prophecy (Nevi’im) in the Bible without the backdrop from Parashah Vayigash. The Torah reading for the week of December 20, 2020 is Parashah Vayigash consisting of Genesis 44:18 to 47:27. Parashah means portion and Vayigash means, “He Approached.” The parashah title is taken from Genesis 44:18 that says: “18 Then Judah approached him and said, “Please, my lord, let now your servant speak something into my lord’s ears, and let not your wrath be kindled against your servant, for you are like Pharaoh.” (Genesis 44:18 Chabad.org) The dialogue that took place between Judah and Joseph is one of the most intense communications in the Bible. Judah stood up to the second most powerful ruler in the world, Joseph. Just as one iron blade sharpens another iron blade, Judah and Joseph were like iron to each other. “17 Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17 Chabad.org) Judah and Joseph were sharpened by this interaction. Their prophetic gifts and character development were taken to the highest level. This teaching will also illuminate the gift of prophecy in your soul. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to attend “Pride, Prejudice, & Torah.” Your next stop, the Destined4Torah Zone! Regards, Sanjay Prajapati