This week’s parashah, Vayeshev, tells the story of Joseph. Joseph’s father Jacob favours him over his other sons,, sparking jealousy amongst his brothers. Their resentment grows after Joseph shares dreams of ruling over them, leading them to selling him to passing Ishmaelites and deceiving Jacob into believing Joseph had been killed. Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, is involved in a separate story where his daughter-in-law Tamar ensures his lineage continues by giving birth to twins, Peretz and Zerach. In Egypt, Joseph thrives as Potiphar’s overseer but is imprisoned after rejecting Potiphar’s wife’s advances. While in prison, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker accurately, but the released butler forgets to advocate for Josephs’ release, leaving him in prison. 

This parashah is a story of Joseph’s perseverance. At the beginning of the parashah Joseph was thrown into a pit by his brothers due to their jealousy and spite, was then sold and ended up in an egyptian prison. He faced challenges that would break most people, yet he never gave up. When he was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt, he didn’t fall into despair. Instead, he worked in the house of Potiphar and earned trust and respect. Even after Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him and he was thrown into prison, Joseph continued to maintain his faith in G-d and remained resilient. In prison, he noticed the sadness of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, and instead of focusing on his own suffering, he asked why they were sad. This simple act of care and of thinking of others despite his own struggles is what defined and separated Joseph from his brothers. 

After interpreting Pharaoh's dream for him, in verse 40 of chapter 41 of the book of Genesis Pharaoh declared to Joseph "You shall be in charge of my court, and by your command shall all my people be sustained.”. Rabbi Sacks comments on Joseph’s resilience and faith, saying: “Joseph was able to survive and thrive because he never gave way to despair. He kept faith with G-d and with the future. Out of the darkest depths, he rose to greatness.”

This message is particularly relevant for us as we approach two significant moments: receiving our report cards and heading into the holidays. Report cards are an opportunity for reflection—not just on grades, but on our effort, growth, and the challenges we’ve overcome. Sometimes, things don’t go the way we hoped. We might not get the results we wanted, or we might feel like we’ve “fallen into a pit” of disappointment. But Joseph’s story reminds us that setbacks are not the end; they are moments to pause, reflect, and rise again. What matters is how we respond and whether we survive and thrive or give way to despair. 

At the same time, as we go into the holiday break, Joseph’s story also highlights the importance of balance and faith. His rise to leadership did not come from power or status but from his ability to care for others, to notice their struggles, and to act with integrity. This teaches us a second vital lesson: while school and achievement are important, we must also take time to care for ourselves and others. The holidays are an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and nurture our mental and emotional well-being so we can return stronger and more focused.

Thank you and shabbat shalom

Annabelle, Grade 11