Kol Torah

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"I am Yosef" by Yoni Chambre

1998/5758

              This week's Parsha tells the dramatic story of when Yosef's brothers came to him and he revealed his identity to them.  "I am Yosef," he said.  These few simple words were very powerful and laden with great meaning.

              When the brothers returned to Mitzraim from Eretz Canaan, they were very confused.  They were wondering who this viceroy was, what he wanted from them, and how he knew so much about them, as well as why he chose to bother them.  All of these questions were answered indirectly by Yosef's few simple words.

              Yosef did not give a long detailed account of all the pain they had caused him and why he had returned their pain.  He simply said "Look, it's me."  We learn from this that the context in which we speak is often as important as what we actually say.  The same words have quite different meanings and undertones after an argument than they do during it.  The feelings of the individuals being addressed are just as important as the message being delivered to them.  Therefore, we should always be sure to understand how others are feeling, and to speak in a polite and appropriate manner so that they aren't angered.  Hopefully, this will lead to greater peace among people, even if they disagree about vital issues.