Wagons Of Righteousness

When the brothers come back to Yaakov with news of Yosef's continued existence and success in Egypt - Yaakov is unwilling to believe them. Only once he sees the "wagons" that Yosef sent along for the journey does Yaakov's spirit return.

What was it about the wagons and what, exactly, didn't Yaakov believe ?

The question is discussed by many authorities. Most agree that Yaakov had no trouble believing that Yosef was alive. What he doubted was the quality of his life - was Yosef spiritually intact or had he lost much of the stature he had held in Yaakov's house. Twenty two years in the hedonistic, idolatrous culture of Egypt could certainly do that to you.

The Kli Yakar suggests ( based on the Medrash ) that the wagons were an allusion to the last mitzva that they had learnt about together, the Calf of the Severed Head ( עגלה ערופה ). The wagons symbolized this by indicating that Yosef observed the commandment to escort his guests - a commandment that is derived from the statements required of the beis din in the case of the Calf of the Severed Head.

Rav Zev Leff discusses the implication of the wagons as a vehicle for decending to Egypt. By Yosef sending enough wagon space to transport Yaakov and all his possessions - Yosef is hinting that he knows that the key to maintaining high spiritual standards is to insulate yourself against the outside world with your own 'daled amos' of yiddishkeit. And if need be, transport them with you, wherever you go.

I would like to offer my own humble suggestion. Self Identity. As the Viceroy to the emperor - Yosef would be completely within his rights in sending whatever inferior transportation to pick up his father and maintaining the best for himself - after all - he has the honor of a throne to uphold. As viceroy - that logic is sound. As a Jew - he has an obligation to his fellow Jews and certainly his father. By sending the very best wagons he had - and making due with less in the meantime - Yosef demonstrates that he has not forgotten who he is. A Jew. With the responsibilities incumbent therein.

So when life finds us in our own little 'Egypt', when we have to live with our public face forward - we must never see that face when we look in the mirror. To ourselves, we must always be our true selves, a Yid.

Hatzlacha !