Joseph’s Journey: Compassion in the Face of Betrayal

It is often hailed as one of the greatest stories in all of literature. The tale of Joseph and his brothers holds a timeless grip on our imagination, capturing the raw, core dramas of life with the unflinching intensity we expect from biblical narratives.

Years ago, at the Wallace Collection in London, I encountered a painting by 17th-century Spanish artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. His depiction of the scene brought it vividly to life. For the first time, I could envision Joseph’s expression as his brothers threw him into the pit.

A profoundly moving verse is spoken by Joseph’s brothers when, under distress, they are accused of being spies in Egypt: “Alas, we are being punished on account of our brother, because we saw his anguish and paid no heed as he pleaded with us” (Genesis 42:21). Nachmanides highlights that this verse does not mention the act of selling Joseph as a slave. Instead, it emphasizes their lack of sensitivity to his suffering and their indifference to his desperate pleas.

Contrast this with a verse from the end of this week’s Torah portion, where Joseph, despite being falsely accused and imprisoned, shows remarkable empathy. He asks Pharaoh’s courtiers, who are in custody with him, “Why do you appear downcast today?” (Genesis 40:7). This act of compassion earns their trust, and one of them ultimately becomes instrumental in securing Joseph’s release from prison and his eventual rise to viceroy of Egypt.

It is this trait that lies at the heart of what it means to be Jewish. It is the hallmark of our identity, the legacy of our people, and our enduring gift to humanity.