Life can be tough but often when asked “What will be?” many will answer “It will be good!”
It’s a great attitude but how can one be sure that everything will turn out for the best? Is this a naive way of navigating the treacherous waters of challenge and tragedy or is there something to it? I’m often reminded of how horribly the English language translates the word “Torah.” “Bible” simply means a book, but the word Torah is better translated as a guide. Torah guides our life not just because it outlines Jewish law in all areas of life, but even the historical narratives serve as lessons to us. Even minor and often glossed over details contain profound insights to life. In this week’s parsha Vayigash we learn of the dramatic reunion between Yosef and his brothers who had sold him into slavery twenty two years earlier. Yosef, now viceroy of Egypt, urged them to rush back to their father Yaakov with the good news that his missing son was very much alive and to bring him and the family down to Egypt immediately. The Torah records that Yosef sent provisions to his father for the way. “And to his father he sent the following: ten he donkeys carrying of the best of Egypt, and ten she donkeys carrying grain, bread, and [other] food, for his father for the way.” (Genesis 45:23) The Talmud explains that “the best of Egypt” refers to aged wine. While the other provisions of grain, bread and food were certainly necessary to send, as the famine had wiped out all the food in the region, why was Yosef certain that Yaakov’s wine supply was depleted as well? One may argue that we shouldn’t think too deeply into this and it’s a beautiful gesture on the part of a long lost son, but in truth, the aged wine Yosef sent his father expressed the depth and strength of his faith and trust in G-d that had sustained him throughout the painful years of separation. For twenty two years no one in the family drank wine. Yaakov was in mourning, the brothers were miserable with regret and Yosef was far away from home. Now, as the long awaited reunion was finally happening they were all going to toast a Lechaim on wine. But Yosef sent his father aged wine to show that although he had not touched wine for so many years, he was preparing it throughout these terrible times in anticipation for the good days ahead. When times are tough we ought to believe in the future good times to the point that we prepare champagne in the thick of our pain and suffering for the celebration we will have when it all ends. As we continue to navigate through the dark and treacherous two thousand years long exile, let’s learn from Yosef to anticipate the imminent arrival of Moshiach when the entire world will be redeemed from all suffering and peace and tranquility will reign for all. Start preparing the party now by living a more elevated and meaningful life through increasing in Torah study, Mitzvah observance and caring for others.