Strangers in a Strange Land

With my winter break coming too swiftly to a close, I have returned to Cincinnati. For a few days, at least, I am still blissfully free to visit museums, hang out with my parents, and maybe mentally prepare myself for the spring semester and too many languages! This week, HUC has had some rough times. A swastika was painted on the sign in front of the school Tuesday, and one of our Board of Governors members was shot in the crossfire of a gunfight just two days previous. [Please pray for my school!]

This week, Parashat Vayigash has reminded us that for the majority of our time here, we were meant to be strangers in a strange land. Joseph’s brothers have returned with Benjamin, who Joseph then plants a goblet on and accuses his brothers of theft. After a frantic search, he breaks down and reveals his true identity to his family, before exhorting them to bring their father and the rest of the family to permanently (for that time) settle in the land of Goshen in Egypt. (I know Chanukah was a last week, but check out this connection between the letters on the dreidel and Goshen!)

Jacob realizes that this is a good idea, and sets out on a journey back to his favorite son. During a rest in Be’er-Sheva, G!d speaks to Jacob, reassuring him and telling him not to be afraid, since G!d’s presence will stay with him even in this new land. For now, at least, Jacob and his family will make a permanent home for several years, although they do not know what their descendants will endure or how these events will shape the narrative of the Hebrew people. With Pharaoh’s blessing, Jacob and his sons move to Goshen, are given food to sustain them, and begin to fill the land with many children. For the time being, they are living well and Joseph’s saga and position have blessed his entire family.

We will always have to endure negative, unpleasant, hurtful incidents. Sometimes we will feel alone, while sometimes many walk beside us. G!d often uses these events to remind us of the temporary nature we endure in life. We feel safe and secure, sometimes for a long time, and he provides for us, but we are still strangers occupying someone else’s land. Our experience as strangers should encourage us to come alongside others who feel out of place or are hurting and provide them with a friend and a sense of belonging.

Good Shabbos!