Thursday, December 09, 2010

Don't Get Down

After 22 years of separation Yosef reveals himself to his brothers. Shell-shocked as they are, he then sends them on their way to Caanan to their father Yaakov, and tells them ועתה אל תעצבו, which is usually understood to mean "And now do not be upset."
Rabbi Yitzchok Isaac of Komarna points out that in the trup, the cantillation marks that show us the proper grammatical understanding and reading of the verses, there is a פסיק p'sik, a mark which indicates a fairly strong stop between the word ועתה (and now) and the words אל תעצבו (do not be upset). This would seem to indicate as if it is meant to be understood as two distinct statements. How are we to understand this?
He explains that our sages teaches us that the word ועתה is often used as an allusion to Teshuva, returning and repenting to God. On this basis he explains Yosef's message to his brothers as follows ועתה, you are about to embark on a process of soul-searching and regret for the mistakes you made two decades ago. אל תעצבו, do not be depressed. Too often people feel that the only way to improve themselves is through castigation and self-punishment, through feeling guilty and negative. But depression and negativity are damaging in and of themselves; they do not build up a person, they tear him down, and what good can come of that?
Even when undergoing the process of introspection and self-improvement, Yosef encouraged his brothers, remain happy and upbeat. It is only through joy that you can achieve what you should in life and come closer to God.

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