Parasha Thoughts
By Rabbi Aharon Seleh
In this week’s parsha, after a prolonged period, Yosef finally reveals himself to his brothers. The Me’am Loe’z asks, how could Yosef cause his brothers so much anguish? Surely he wasn’t coming to take revenge, as that is forbidden. He first accused them of being spies, which would carry the death penalty, then he jails Shimon. He forces them to bring Binyamin which causes Yaakov a lot of anguish, then he accuses them of stealing his goblet?
The Me’am Loez answers that Yosef’s intention was to give them a kappara, atonement, in this world, so they would not have to suffer in the next world. A relatively small amount of suffering in this world could atone for sins which would require a lot more in the next world. Yosef did them a great kindness. We never want to suffer in any way in this world, but if it does happen, we should know it’s a great kindness.
Shabbat Shalom