Professor Judith Hauptmann: Vayeshev Judah and Tamar: Writing the Story

Professor Hauptmann considers the meaning of the phrase vahinahem Yehudah – usually translated as “Judah was comforted” after the death of his wife. Yet the root can also mean “regretted”, which implies that Judah regretted promising to marry Tamar to Shelah. Then Judah returns to Timnah for the sheep shearing, where he met his first wife. The text indicates that “it was reported to her [Tamar] that her father-in-law had gone to a sheep-shearing”. Professor Hauptmann questions why this was reported to her. Did the community intend for Tamar and Judah to connect?

Rabbi Silber: Vayeshev

Rabbi Silber introduces another perspective on the narrative of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. Besides the traditional understanding that Joseph was challenged by lust, he was undoubtedly lonely and bereft, having been cast off by his family, and Potiphar’s wife represented a familial connection. This connection was facilitated by Potiphar’s trust in him.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Vayeshev Refusing Comfort, Keeping Hope

Jacob “refused to be comforted” at the news of Joseph’s death. Yet the Talmud indicates that grief should not be endless. Midrash elaborates that one can be comforted for one who is dead, but not for one who is still living. Rabbi Sacks points out that Jacob refused to be comforted because he had not yet given up hope that Joseph was still alive