Picture of the author
Picture of the author
War bannerWar banner

How to Forgive

I Am Not Under G-d; I Am One with the Divine

1 hr 30 min

Class Summary:

This weekly women's class was presented on Tuesday, Parshas Vayechi, 14 Tevet, 5781, December 29, 2020, live from Rabbi Jacobson's home in Monsey, NY.

After Jacob’s death, Joseph says to his brothers, fearful of his revenge: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

What is the meaning of these loaded words “Am I in the place of G-d?” What does that have to do with this exchange? The brothers are pleading with him not to take revenge. Joseph reassures them that he will not punish them, explaining that notwithstanding their harmful intentions, G-d has turned it around. Why does Joseph open his answer with the words, “Am I in the place of G-d?” 

It was the great Chassidic master, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Barditchov (1740-1809), who offered a most moving explanation. The literal translation of Joseph’s words to his brothers is different. The Hebrew word “tachas” means “under.” Joseph told his brothers: “Am I under G-d?!”

But what is that supposed to mean? Joseph denied he was under G-d?

It is here we discover our own power to apologize to those we hurt and to forgive those who hurt us. We tell an incredible story of the Rabbi of Barditchov about forgiveness. 

Please leave your comment below!

  • M

    Michael -11 months ago

    Alshich

    Reply to this comment.Flag this comment.

  • LK

    Leah Klein -3 years ago

    I learnt somewhere that yosef never told his brothers , I was really hurt by you and I forgive you. He kept saying ,  yeah I was hurt but you didn't do anything , its from Hashem ....dont worry....it all came from Hashem. Because he didn't forgive his brothers clearly in the posuk , the energy of the heinous act and yosef's hurt followed the destiny of the jews and we were punished thru the generations for this act. The asara harugei malchus is said to be a result of micheeras yosef.

    Reply to this comment.Flag this comment.

  • AY

    a yid -3 years ago

    Not "I am the light" but "I am an extension or ray of the light..."

    hi reb yyit's delicate language....when you're talking about the berditchiver on yosef to his brothers you sayyosef says "i am the light of Gd in this world"...but then you say, i think more accurately "i am anextension of the light of Gd in this world."    the former, lehavdil sounds like that other "religion".they say that all the time.in judaism isn't it essential that we make that distinction?  not "i am the light " but "i am a ray
    of the light" for example.i find it troubling H' calls yaakov kel and also what you said how in geulah tzadikim will be called'hkbh'?  i find that unnerving.  which, i think, as a jew is appropriate to be unnerved.how can a human be called like that?   it's too much like that other detestable "religion"please explain.also you mentioned re the attributes of Gd, the sefirot, but you said "the submission of Gd"...that startled me.  i don't understand.if you have time, can you please explain?

    Reply to this comment.Flag this comment.

    • AY

      a yid -3 years ago

      correction:  rabbi yy     it's delicate language

      Reply to this comment.Flag this comment.

  • SM

    Sara Metzger -3 years ago

    Someone asked...

    Is this the ultimate idea of bitachon?

    Reply to this comment.Flag this comment.

  • SM

    Sara Metzger -3 years ago

    Someone commented

    My understanding that a person who offends another asks mechilla 3 times. They are very remorseful. If the other person doesn’t forgive them.

    Reply to this comment.Flag this comment.

Women's Vayechi Class

Rabbi YY Jacobson

  • December 29, 2020
  • |
  • 14 Tevet 5781
  • |
  • 2434 views

In the loving memory of Esther bas Yitzchak. Esther Horgen was murdered on Sunday, 5 Teves, 5781, Dec. 20, 2020, in the Reihan forest, near her house in the settlement of Tal Menashe.

Related Classes

Please help us continue our work
Sign up to receive latest content by Rabbi YY

Join our WhatsApp Community

Join our WhatsApp Community

Ways to get content by Rabbi YY Jacobson
Connect now
Picture of the authorPicture of the author