Vayyeshev: In a dry and empty place

Parshat Vayyeshev Gen 37: 24  “ And they took him [Joseph] and cast him into the pit; now the pit was empty and there was no water in it.   

How many times have we ourselves been cast into a pit of desire, anger, fear, anxiety or doubt? From where does our help come in those times of emptiness and dryness?

May we, like Joseph, learn – even if it takes a lifetime -  to be forgiving of whoever and whatever has pushed us into a dry and empty place.  
  

Vayeshev - speaking in peace

Parshat Vayeshev
 Gen. Ch. 37:4.  “When his (Joseph’s) brothers saw that it was he whom their father loved above all of his brothers – from then on they hated him, and could not speak to him in peace.”  

This week of Thanksgiving, when many of us are with family, we have a parsha about family strife.  Joseph’s brothers were so caught in their feelings of anger, jealousy and resentment that they were unable to be at peace with him.  These feelings were understandable since Joseph lauded over them and recounted to them dreams in which they bowed down to him.  Yet the brothers were enslaved by their feelings.

As we spend time with family can we notice our feelings and expectations for how we want people to be with each other?  Can we see the histories of the relationships and have compassion for where each one is, as well as for ourselves?  Can we wish each person simach (joy), chesed (lovingkindness), rachamim (compassion), and shalom (peace)?  May the holiday be a blessing. 

{thanks to Morechai Liebling for inspiration for this drash)