This Shabbat, think about all the wonderful gifts that you have been given by our Father in heaven.

When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers with the words “I am Joseph,” why did he then add “Is my father still alive?” when in fact he already knew, based on a previous dialogue with his brothers, that his father Jacob was alive? Was the reference to our Father in heaven?

To appreciate the significance of the words “Is my father still alive?” in the context of Joseph’s question to his brothers, read this enlightening analysis entitled, “Is My Father Still Alive?” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message for Vayigash 5773-2012. Out of respect for the Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.