Diplomacy has become a dirty word. The seventeenth century English diplomat Henry Wotton said that a diplomat is sent abroad to lie for his country. And there is a fine line between sycophancy, being dishonest and on the other hand finding the right way of making one’s point with greatest effect. The Torah has several examples of how important diplomacy…
Parsha Vayigash
Joseph’s Game
Last week we read of the developing scheme of Joseph to confuse, bully and humiliate the brothers. One wonders at what moment the brothers realized they were being played. When they came down a second time with Benjamin they are taken not into his office but into his home. They protest their innocence thinking this is payback for the money…
Reconciliation
Judah’s speech in which he repeats the whole saga and reiterates his concern for father and sons, so moves Joseph that he can no longer keep the pretense up. He sends all the Egyptians out and reveals himself. He also emphasizes that all that has happened is part of a Divine plan “You did not send me down to Egypt.…
Goshen
Of course, word of Joseph’s family reaches Pharaoh. And they are welcomed by everyone thanks to Joseph’s reputation. The story of a family reconciled is heart-warming. Then Joseph has to go to speak to Pharaoh to confirm the arrangements. But beforehand he tells the brothers that when they meet Pharaoh and he asks them what their occupation is, they should…
Joseph the Socialist
The famine continues. Joseph is the master of Egypt. At first the Egyptians can buy food. When the money runs out they have to sell their flocks and herds. Finally, Joseph takes over all their lands and turns then into serfs. But more than this, he moves them away from their original lands and transfers them to other locations in…