Bs”d
Parshas Vayigash (5776)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
45:14: The Chumash opens on one of the most emotional, dramatic scenes in history—Yosef’s revelation. It relates how Yosef and Binyamin cried on each other’s shoulders. Rashi explains that the giant explosion of emotion was an expression of sadness over both churbanos Bais HaMikdash. This is an insight from Chazal but Rashi is telling us that this is the simple pshat in the pasuk. Isn’t there enough meaning or sufficient reason for the special surge of emotion of the two brothers, sons of Rochel, and Binyamin not being in the mechira, can’t it mean its simplicity. The answer is in the next pasuk. וינשק לכל אחיו—this was the real explosion of the simple emotion. He kissed all the brothers, the simple love was the same, despite all the strife and the ordeals, Yosef loved them all greatly. All that went on was only serving Hashem, but under everything it was the greatest sincere love.
Loving our fellow yedidim is one of our greatest tests and highest fulfillment. Have a wonderful Shabbos.