Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Vayigash/0/en
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Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Vayigash
Did Yosef Cause the Enslavement?
The Torah speaks at length about Yosef's Economic Policies in Egypt, a topic which at first glance would seem to be of little import to the history of the Nation of Israel. Commentators divide both in their explanation of the significance of the unit, and their evaluations of Yosef's policies. Ramban lauds Yosef for his economic genius in handling the hardships of famine while still maintaining Egyptian favor. In contrast, modern scholars, following R"Y BekhorShor, assert that Yosef's harsh policies and enslavement of the Egyptians naturally bred resentment. His favoritism towards his family backfired causing a backlash that eventually paved the way for their enslavement.
- With which reading of the episode do you agree?
- In what circumstances do you think that nepotism is a valid practice, and when is it problematic?
