Dâvar Torah for Parshat Shemot
Itâs one of the best-known verses, but one of the least understood.
Iâm referring to a verse at the commencement of the book of Shemot, where the Torah tells us: âVayyakom melech-chadash al-mitzrayimâ, a new king arose over Egypt, âasher lo-yada et-yosefâ, who did not know Joseph.
Now, how could that be possible?
This would be like saying that one of our post-war Prime Ministers had never heard of Winston Churchill. Impossible!
Joseph was such a well-known character who saved Egyptian society. So, there are some who explain: of course Pharaoh knew about Joseph; however, he didnât recognise the depth of Josephâs contribution and did not appreciate Joseph and his people.
The Sefer Mayana Shel Torah, gives a lovely explanation. He explains that Pharaoh did not know Joseph personally.
You know, sometimes you might say to a person, âDo you know so-and-so?â and they might say, âOf course, I know about that person, but Iâve never met them.â
Thatâs what happened with Pharaoh.
As a result, Pharaoh didnât feel a personal connection to Joseph. When one actually knows a person and knows that personâs family, one will more readily acknowledge that personâs humanity. And by knowing the person, one will be far less likely to hate them or, God forbid, bring harm upon them.
Hatred thrives on ignorance.
When one relates to other people as being âthe other.â When one is not familiar with them. As a result, sometimes there is a fear of them. And that hatred which arises out of ignorance, can sometimes lead to violence, and, God forbid, even murder.
So, from the beginning of the book of Shemot, we have an important message for all of our societies: take the time to get to know people personally, speak to them, become familiar with them, donât âotherâ them, and relate to everybody with respect.
As a result, there will be far greater likelihood of compassion, love, affection, and peace.
Shabbat Shalom.