Summary of Parashat Vayigash
This portion continues from last week's and focuses on the reuniting of Joseph and his brothers as well as Jacob's travel to Egypt and his reuniting with his favorite son, Joseph. Towards the end of the parasha there is a focus on the previous two years and Joseph's managing of the famine.
At the beginning of the parasha we find Judah confronting Joseph in the aftermath of the "stolen" chalice. Judah's final plea that he should remain a slave in place of Benjamin triggers Joseph to reveal himself to his brothers.
Joseph instructs his brothers to bring their father, Jacob to Egypt. Pharaoh hears about the reuniting of the family and confirms that Jacob and the family should move to Egypt. Jacob wishes to be reunited with his favorite son, Joseph but first asks God for instructions. God reassures Jacob that he must go to Egypt in order to become a nation. The parash counts 70 souls who descend to Egypt.
Jacob and Joseph are reunited after 22 years (note the 22 years that Jacob was separated from his father, Isaac). The brothers and Jacob come before Pharaoh who blesses them.
The family settle in Goshen. The rest of the parasha details the previous two years and Joseph's efforts to manage the famine in Egypt.
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