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 is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
Tune in: SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
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