The title of this week’s Torah portion is Vayigash, which means to “draw near” or to “approach.” In this parasha, we find one of the most emotional moments in the whole Torah. After years of distance and separation, Judah steps forward toward his brother, Joseph in a moment of vulnerability, not knowing what the outcome will be, but knowing that he at least has to try. Drawing near can sound like such a simple action, but we know how much courage it can take. Judah’s one small step forward makes a huge impact. His act of approaching his brother becomes a turning point in our whole Jewish story, and it begins a process of healing after years of pain for Joseph and Judah’s father, and whole family.
We encounter this story during some of the longest, coldest weeks of the year- when it gets dark far too early and the world can feel heavy. Just days ago, we lit Chanukah candles, reminding ourselves to look for light in the dark night. And now, we are inching toward a new year in the secular calendar, a moment that invites reflection. We start thinking about where we have been and what lies ahead. Though we observe Rosh Hashanah as our new year in the fall, we can use this time to examine the intentions and resolutions we created and reflect on them.
Vayigash helps us to be in that reflective space. It asks us where might we need to draw closer- maybe with repairing a relationship, learning something new, or facing a piece of ourselves we’ve been avoiding. We are reminded that transformation doesn’t have to be a huge moment- sometimes it can just begin with a small step. As we move through these dark and cold days and toward a new year, may we notice the light and closeness that is already present around us. May we find the courage to draw near in the ways we need most. Shabbat Shalom.
