| The Portion of Vayigash It Doesn't Last Forever Joseph, recently appointed to the position of Viceroy of Egypt, begins to prepare the country for the seven years of famine which are to follow the seven years of plenty. Not only does he pretend not to recognize his brothers who came to Egypt to purchase food for their families, but he accuses them of being spies. After Joseph's silver goblet is found in Benjamin's sack Joseph sentences Benjamin to servitude. Judah turns to the Egyptian viceroy and asks that Benjamin be released in exchange for his remaining as a slave in his stead. At this point Joseph reveals his true identity and shares with his brothers all that had transpired since they sold him, up to and including the fact that as viceroy of Egypt he was now in a position to be able to provide for his father and his brothers. The royal appointment of Joseph seemed to harbor good tidings for years, and perhaps for generations, to come. But as we know "And a new king arose in Egypt who knew not Joseph (Exodus 1;8)". The good years ended and were quickly forgotten; the years of oppression and slavery began. When Joseph related to his brothers how Pharaoh had appointed him as his deputy he said " and he made me a father to Pharaoh (Genesis 45;8) " . In these very words the Torah hints that this situation will not last and that ultimately the "rulers" will be turned into the "ruled". This is done by writing backwards the letter "nun" in the word "vayeseimaini" (and he made me). (Remazei Yoel)
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