The second portion of the story of Joseph begins with the dramatic release of the young Hebrew slave from an Egyptian prison. He interprets Pharaoh's dreams and is immediately promoted to viceroy, second-in-command of Egypt.
Joseph's redemption is incomplete, however. Though his reputation is restored, and he has achieved the impossible in terms of his personal wealth and power, he has yet to mend ties with his family. The pain continues, decades later.
He is reunited with his brothers -- though they do not recognize him -- when they come to Egypt, seeking food. Their father, Jacob, refuses to allow Benjamin, the only surviving son of Rachel (he thinks), to accompany them.
Jacob sends them away, holding Simon as a hostage until they return with Benjamin. Eventually, they do, but Jacob has his servants plant a goblet in Benjamin's sack, so he can frame him for theft and imprison him in Egypt.
This sets up the ultimate test of the brothers' repentance: would they once again abandon a favored son to Egypt? Would they once again look after themselves alone, or would they spare each other, and their father's heart?
The portion ends on that cliffhanger. It is deeply moving to read the text's descriptions of the emotional turmoil Joseph endures, even as he is putting his brothers to the text in an exceptionally difficult way, physically and emotionally.
One lesson (among many) in this portion comes from Joseph's meeting with Pharaoh. Joseph didn't just give Pharaoh his analysis: he also offered him a solution. He didn't just apply for a job; he also made a case for a policy plan.
At the same time, Joseph did not claim credit for the insight behind these ideas. He credited God. This showed Pharaoh that Joseph not only had great ideas, but was humble enough to be trusted. Useful career tips, even today!
This week, we are tackling two major areas of contention between the Trump administration and Democrat governors: fighting crime, and redistricting. The president is sending the National Guard to blue cities -- and blue states are trying to stamp out Republican representation. Is this a civil war situation?
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye -- Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on redistricting
- Tom Manza, California Business and Industrial Alliance, on Gavin Newsom
- Jon Fleischman, veteran California political expert, on the special election
- Dan Backer, veteran political lawyer and consultant, on corruption
- DJ Mark Anthony, on a recent visit to Rome and visiting Pope Leo XIV
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET / 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
This week's portion is the last of the month of Av -- also known as Menachem (Comforter) Av -- which begins in mourning and ends in celebration and anticipation of the New Year and the process of repentance and renewal.
In a similar vein, the portion features Moses offering the Israelites a choice between a blessing and a curse. They are masters of their own fates: if they obey God's commandments, they receive the blessings -- and vice versa.
The key commandment is to reject idol worship. There is said to be something magnetic about the practice of worshiping idols in the new land, such that it would be constant moral battle, both individually and collectively, in the land.
Nowadays, according to Jewish tradition, humanity has lost the urge for idol worship (and the antidote, which is divine prophecy) -- but there are several near substitutes, such as lust or excessive appetites for worldly pleasures.
We are wired for compulsive behaviors, bad habits, and even addictions. These ...
We have so much to talk about this week -- Trump's efforts to negotiate peace through negotiation, and Gavin Newsom's efforts to divide Americans through gerrymandering. We'll also talk about Playboy leaving LA and California.
Special guests:
Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on Russia & Ukraine
Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on Newsom
Harmeet Dhillon - DOJ Civil Rights Division chief, on the fight against DEI
Jessica Vaugn - Playboy model on political commentator, on California
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 PT
Call: 866-957-2874
