Netivot Shalom on Parashat Vayigash: The Power of Prayer in Difficult Times

In this week's Torah portion, Parashat Vayigash, it is said:

'Then Judah approached him and said, “Please, my lord, let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and do not let your anger burn against your servant, for you are like Pharaoh.”'

The Netivot Shalom, in his amazing explanation of the verse, emphasizes the power of prayer even in times of hiddenness.

The Midrash on the verse: 'For behold, the kings assembled, they passed by together' describes the dramatic meeting between Judah and Joseph in Egypt, where both are filled with wrath – anger and inner strength, while on the other hand, the tribes stand aside and gaze in amazement at the confrontation between the two leaders. The Netivot Shalom delves into the Midrash and offers a fascinating interpretation of the essence of Judah and Joseph as leaders, and the different ways in which they express their spiritual kingship.

Judah represents the classical attribute of kingship, which mainly involves accepting the yoke of Hashem's kingdom with simple faith, even when there are no uplifting spiritual experiences or fervent desires. Judah symbolizes the power of perseverance in the service of Hashem, the ability to serve with dedication, even when no special emotion accompanies the work. This is a quiet, stable work based on deep faith.

Joseph, on the other hand, represents the attribute of foundation, which is related to fervor and spiritual elevation. Joseph brings the passions and drives existing in the material world and channels them into the service of Hashem. He symbolizes the ability to transform all personal powers and desires, even those that seemingly appear wrong or low, into a source of holiness and longing for divinity. This is a kind of kingship that empowers work through deep emotional connection.

The confrontation between Judah and Joseph is not just a meeting between two individuals but a meeting between two approaches in the service of Hashem.

Accordingly, the Netivot Shalom offers a profound interpretation of the verse 'Then Judah approached him' as a metaphor for situations in which a Jew is in a period of concealment, experiencing difficulties and not seeing success in serving Hashem or in their spiritual life.

Judah, symbolizing the attribute of kingship, represents the simple person and servant of Hashem, who, during times of concealment, does not find light and does not see the impact of their efforts. They deal with a feeling of distance, as described in the verse 'My God, I call during the day, but you do not answer, and at night, I find no peace' – a situation where it seems as if their prayers are not answered.

The word 'VaYigash' is interpreted here as an approach to Hashem, even when He is hidden. The meaning is that when a person is in a period of hardship and spiritual darkness, they can and should draw near to Hashem precisely from this state. The plea 'Please, my lord' expresses the person's recognition that there is within them a 'divine spark from above,' an internal divine spark that does not disappear even during times of concealment.

Judah requests, 'Please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears' – not a big or complex request, but simply the ability to talk and share their feelings and emotions with Hashem. In this way, he finds strength and consolation, even in the midst of great darkness.