Parshas Vayigash for Kids
פרשת ויגש
Yehudah steps forward and offers himself in Binyamin's place, and Yosef cannot hold it in any longer. "I am Yosef - is my father still alive?" The family is whole again, and Yaakov comes down to Mitzrayim.
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What happens in Parshas Vayigash
Yehudah steps forward and speaks to Yosef from the heart: he cannot go home without Binyamin, because their father's life is bound up with the boy's. He offers to stay as a servant in Binyamin's place. Yosef can hold back no longer. He sends everyone else out of the room and says, I am Yosef; is my father still alive? He comforts his frightened brothers, telling them that Hashem sent him ahead to save lives. Rashi teaches that when Yosef and Binyamin embraced and cried, each was weeping for the Beis HaMikdash that would one day stand in the other's land.
Yosef sends wagons to bring his father down, and Rashi explains that they reminded Yaakov of the last thing he and Yosef had learned together; at that moment his spirit came back to life. Yaakov sends Yehudah ahead to prepare a place of Torah learning in Goshen. When father and son finally meet, Rashi tells us Yaakov was saying Shema. The family of seventy settles in Goshen, and Yosef provides for them through the famine.
Lessons and middos for children
Achrayus (responsibility)
Yehudah kept his promise and was ready to take Binyamin's place. A true brother or sister looks out for the others.Forgiveness
Yosef did not take revenge; he comforted his brothers instead. We can forgive and make others feel better after a hurt.Kibbud av va'em
Yosef's first question was about his father, and he took care of him in Goshen. We show our parents how much we love them.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- What did Yehudah offer to do for Binyamin?
- What were the first words Yosef said to his brothers? Why do you think he asked that?
- How do you think Yaakov Avinu felt when he heard that Yosef was alive?
- Is there someone you can forgive or make up with this week?
How your child steps into the story
Your child is in Yosef's palace at the moment he says, I am Yosef, and later rides along with the wagons as they carry Yaakov Avinu's family down to Goshen. The story ends with the whole family together again, as Yaakov prepares to bless his children and grandchildren.