Rabbi Howard Morrison

How could something so good become something so bad? After two years in prison, Joseph is summoned to Pharaoh, interprets his dreams, and becomes second in command in all of Egypt. Things could not have been better for this Hebrew in Egypt at this time in Joseph's life. 

Fast forward, a generation later, Joseph appears to be forgotten. A new Pharaoh arose over Egypt who did not know of Joseph. Rashi quotes two interpretations - This is the same Pharaoh as before but with a change or heart. Or, this is a new Pharaoh who chose not to regard all that Joseph had done for Egypt years earlier.

Many Jews living in the U.S., Canada, and other parts of the world are still dismayed at how things have changed so quickly for Jews in major Diaspora countries over the last two months. While some analysts are now studying the seeds of local forms of anti-Semitism, what seemed so good for Jews has become something so bad in such a short time. Post World War II, certainly in the last few decades, Jews have excelled in academic achievement and professional advancement in North America and elsewhere, even amidst moderate levels of anti-Semitism. But since October 7, it is as if a new Pharaoh or one with a change of heart has risen. Take the change of attitudes of some democratic leaders toward Israel. Take the rhetoric coming from presidents and others of leading universities. And the list goes on and on.

At the end of his story, Joseph comes to recognize that even amidst his success, the Egyptians view him and his family as Hebrews, as a form of outsiders, even when Joseph's family is seemingly treated honorably.

We too must come to understand that be it the Jews of Eastern Europe eighty years ago; be it the Jews who lived in many countries throughout the Middle Ages - we have always been recognized as Jew first whether we were religious or assimilated. So, why should we be so shocked and surprised now???

I offer no answer except to affirm with pride and courage our Jewish identities, something which Joseph ultimately learned after almost negating his cultural heritage for so long in Egypt.

We must do our utmost to stand up for our rights in our respective Diaspora communities by uniting together and working with society's leaders who best understand our plight. Ultimately, being a Jew will always define us first, and the name of the country in which we live will define us second.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison