Vayeshev: Favoritism and equality

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.”

I think most of us have experienced the feeling of favoritism*, or perhaps even discrimination, one way or another. Even though it’s wrong – and perhaps because it's wrong — it tends to stand out more. Beyond the fact that some people love us more (which is why they’re our friends), there are relationships that are supposed to be objective, like workplace and family relationships, and certainly in a courtroom. It would be disastrous for a judge to favor one party over the other for personal reasons (also known as a ‘conflict of interest’). Rightfully so, modern judges disqualify themselves from certain cases to avoid such conflicts, because favoritism is a type of injustice that would cloud their judgement.

Favoritism has the power to corrode team dynamics, lower morale, and detract from a culture of merit and fairness. It can lead to family breakdown and destabilize societies. Favoritism is not generally unlawful, but when tied to discriminatory practises it, there’s a potential danger for it to pave the way to oppressive regimes and dictatorships that violate citizens' rights. A clear example of this can be seen today with our neighbors in Syria, which was led by discrimination - instead of justice - under the rule of the Assad family for more than 50 years.

The Assad family belong to the Alawite sect, a minority that splintered off from early Shia Islam. When the Assads ruled the government, other tribes such as the Sunnis (who make up about 75% of the population), didn’t enjoy equal rights nor justice. Not to mention other Syrian minorities, like the Christians or Druze. Eventually, as we’ve seen time and again in history, such inequality led to much tragedy.

In contrast, the Word of God demands justice from us in so many verses. Perhaps the most famous one being:

"Justice, and only justice, you shall follow" (Deuteronomy 16:20).

Justice in its broadest sense, is the concept that individuals are to be treated in a manner that is equitable and fair. Moreover, it entails the refrain from taking bribes, but also — perhaps more importantly —to avoid discrimination based on race, gender or religion. The Torah emphasizes this principle in various verses, such as:

“One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you.” (Numbers 15:16).

The principle of justice and equality is a cornerstone of the Torah and closely connected to the memory of the slavery in Egypt. It isn’t a coincidence that God connects that painful memory to the plea for the strangers, widows and orphans who are most vulnerable in society and easily exploited. The Word of God reminds us of the slavery in Egypt and – with it - of the national memory that we too were defenceless and exploited as slaves. Having experienced the pain of discrimination, injustice and inequality ourselves, we’re warned not to repeat the same mistakes. That’s true on a personal, as well as on a national level, as our sages said:

"The level of justice in a country is measured not by the rights of the rich and powerful, but by the rights of the unprotected, the foreigner, and the poor."

This discussion leads us to a foundational text for a better understand of our redemption:

“for in Messiah Yeshua you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Messiah have put on Messiah. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua. And if you are Messiah's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

When I read these verses, I imagine Paul confronting natural human tendencies, questions and tensions that may arise — whether related to status, gender, race or identity; as well as about being from one congregation or denomination or another, or about being Jewish or not. Each of these categories have the potential to harbor elements that could lead to discrimination, even in our faith and understanding of salvation. Paul challenges this mindset by echoing the Malachi’s prophecy:

“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?” (Malachi 2:10)

Paul insists on this simple truth, that it doesn’t matter who you are, how smart or foolish you may be, how much you know or how many verses you’ve memorized. It doesn’t matter where you were born or who your parents were. All of humanity shares in the atonement of the Messiah, and that’s why we’re equal, blood-related like brothers and sisters, through the blood of Yeshua. Yeshua sacrificed Himself for me, just as He did for every human being in history, because God created us all as equals, in His image and likeness.

The Torah reminds us that massive historical events, such as the birth of Israel as a nation and the descent to and Exodus from Egypt, began with small, seemingly personal acts. It started with one father who loved one child a little too much and couldn’t help but spoil him with a fancy colorful coat. It all began with a group of brothers who couldn’t control their resentment of the young boy who was a bit of a pampered, naive dreamer of grand visions.

Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son. The brotherly problems of the Jacob-family must’ve been tangible enough, as this essential element doesn’t just stay within the family, but is shared with the readers of the Book of Genesis, shedding light on the pain caused by favoritism that led to feelings like rejection and jealousy, as well as the question of being truly loved or not.

Family tensions were always present, and mentioned in various verses, including the rivalry between Jacob’s wives. The tension between the brothers erupts into a burning hatred as a result of Joseph sharing his dreams, which is the moment the brothers knew for sure how Joseph viewed himself: at the center with them bowing down to serve him.

While these dreams were later revealed to be prophetic; at the time, Joseph’s report of the dreams came across as arrogance. Perhaps the Torah teaches us here that focusing solely on ourselves and our dreams leads to trouble. However, when we focus on solving others’ dreams, we find blessing and success.

I connect this lesson to faith in Yeshua the Messiah. Faith teaches us to look around, love at those around us, while helping others and remaining humble, like Yeshua taught us:

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

In Yeshua, we are equal and one.

* Favoritism: unfair support shown to one person or group, especially by someone in authority (Cambridge Dictionary)

Please join us in prayer for:

Roeh Israel, our kehilla

Please keep lifting up Joseph and Marcia health in your prayers, as well as Yehudit’s hand and thyroid. Pray for Lea, Ilana, Miriam (mainly her walking), Batsheva and Zvi, Antonina and Itsik. Please intercede for a breakthrough in Aharon’s life: his choices and openness towards our Heavenly Father.

- In this challenging year, we ask prayer for our families to be blessed in being emotionally available at home in this stormy year, alongside all the regular family business. For His spirit and peace to reside in the homes.

Netiyvah Staff

- Our office staff continues to be encouraged as we begin our weeks with worship and prayer. We’re so grateful to know Him!

- Pray for the health of Nir, Hannah (migraines) and Samuel who undergoes medical tests for his ongoing health struggles, as well as for Tess’ pregnancy.

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Shabbat shalom,

Yehuda and Lydia Bachana
Netivyah and the Roeh Israel congregation