Economists explain prices according to supply and demand. Short supply and high demand result in a steep price. If peace were a commodity, then we would expect it to fetch a very high price. There have been more peaceful times in history, but never times that have been all peace. To our Sages peace deserved a high price precisely because it was and is so precious. Just how precious?
In this week’s Torah portion, Vayechi, at the end of the Book of Genesis, Joseph and his brothers must face the conclusion of their tumultuous relationship. After much sibling rivalry, deception, and cunning they are together once more to face the distressing news that their father, Jacob, had died. Concerned that Joseph still bore a grudge against them, the brothers sent him this message, (Genesis 50:16), “Before his death your father left this instruction: So shall you say to Joseph, “Forgive, I urge you, the offense and guilt of your brothers who treated you so harshly.’ Therefore, please forgive the offense of the servants of the God of your father.” Imagine the emotional and dramatic scene. The brothers “flung themselves before [Joseph]” (50:18). There was crying and hugging and so much carrying on.
But wait! When did Jacob command them to bring a message of reconciliation to Joseph? Torah doesn’t reveal that he did. So, why did they fabricate the message? At this point in the story, the brothers are terrified that news of their father’s death would only attract more anger from Joseph, whom they wronged. So, at this critical juncture, their message was for the sake of peace between them. It created peace rather than disharmony, and it provided healing in place of a deep wound. In Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Simeon b. Gamaliel taught, “Great is peace, for even our ancestors resorted to fabrications in order to make peace between Joseph and themselves.”
At once, Joseph responds (50:19), “Have no fear! Am I a substitute for God?” That is to say: the brothers had nothing to do with the events they all endured. It was God’s doing and it was not meant for evil, but for good. The outcome was the survival of many people and Joseph spoke peaceably to his brothers. The brothers spoke in the name of gadol hashalom, the greatness of peace! And, for that they would even fabricate a message from their father. To the brothers, it worked and they were spared Joseph’s wrath. To Joseph, it had nothing to do with them. To Joseph, it was always in God’s hands. “Am I a substitute for God?” is a remarkable statement of faith and fate.
We learn from their example that peace is sometimes found only after a high price is paid. It doesn’t please us to fabricate a message or tell a white lie, but Judaism calls a white lie (sheker lavan) a kosher lie (sheker kasher) when it leads to peace. And, if we read the story correctly, it’s a peace that God grants because it comes after wrestling with our baser instincts and our decision to do good.
Now, tell me, how many times have you told a white lie for the sake of peace? If it resulted in peace and harmony, then you paid a high price for a great blessing the source of which is in God, Who grants it. As we reach the end of the Book of Genesis, we say, “Hazak, hazak, venit-hazeik!” Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen each other with words of peace.
From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom.
__________________________________________________
Contact Rabbi Lyon