Question of the Lesson

Week Ending 24th May 2002

Rachel and Shifra

for their question on 

Bereishit 42; 21

"Each man said to his brother, "but we are | guilty about our brother because we saw the distress of his soul when he was pleading with us, but we did not listen;  therefore this distress has come against us.' "

The girls asked what this vertical line is for.  This led to some discussion and we decided that, perhaps, it indicates that Yosef's brothers hesitated upon admitting that they were guilty for how they had treated him.

We discussed how it is difficult to admit when you have done wrong, but, even though you may be hesitant to admit what you have done, it is important to be honest with yourself and with others.

Yosef's brothers were admitting their guilt, finally, but we can understand that it was difficult for them to do so.

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Well done Rachel and Shifra!