Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is happening in Genesis 37:27?
A: In Genesis 37:27, Joseph's brothers are discussing what to do with him after throwing him into a pit. Reuven had suggested not to kill him (Genesis 37:22), and Yehudah now proposes selling him to the Yishmaelim (Ishmaelites) instead, emphasizing that he is their brother and they shouldn't harm him directly.
Q: Why did Yehudah suggest selling Joseph to the Yishmaelim?
A: Yehudah suggested selling Joseph to the Yishmaelim (Ishmaelites) as a compromise—avoiding killing him while still removing him from their lives. Rashi explains that Yehudah was concerned about the moral responsibility of directly harming their brother ('for he is our brother and our flesh'). Selling him was seen as a lesser sin than murder.
Q: What does 'for he is our brother and our flesh' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'for he is our brother and our flesh' emphasizes the brothers' recognition that Joseph is family, making it morally wrong to kill him. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) notes that Yehudah used this argument to appeal to their sense of kinship, reminding them that they share the same father (Yaakov) and should not commit such a severe sin against their own blood.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of brotherly conflict in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights the dangers of jealousy and conflict among siblings, a recurring theme in the Torah (e.g., Kayin and Hevel, Yaakov and Esav). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) teaches that disputes between brothers can lead to severe consequences, and reconciliation is always preferable. The sale of Joseph later leads to suffering but ultimately sets the stage for repentance and reunification.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yehudah's words in this verse?
A: Yehudah’s intervention teaches the importance of seeking ethical solutions even in difficult situations. While selling Joseph was still wrong, it was a step back from murder. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot) teaches that one should always seek the 'middle path' in conflicts, avoiding extremes. Yehudah’s words remind us to consider mercy and family bonds before acting harshly.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 37:27) describes the brothers' decision to sell Yosef (Joseph) to the Yishmaelim (Ishmaelites) rather than kill him, as initially proposed by Yehuda (Judah). The brothers acknowledge Yosef as their brother ("achinu besareinu hu"), yet proceed with selling him into slavery.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Yehuda's argument to sell Yosef rather than kill him was rooted in avoiding direct bloodshed ("v'yadeinu al tehi bo"). He emphasizes that the brothers recognized Yosef as their flesh and blood, yet their jealousy and anger led them to this extreme action. Rashi also notes that the Yishmaelim were known traders, making them a practical choice for this transaction.
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 4:1) discusses the severity of sinas chinam (baseless hatred) as exemplified here. The brothers' actions, though mitigated by Yehuda's intervention, stemmed from deep-seated jealousy, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked emotions.
Halachic Implications
The Gemara (Sanhedrin 6b) derives from this episode the principle of "pikuach nefesh" (saving a life)—Yehuda's argument to spare Yosef's life, even through sale, overrides the initial intent to kill. This reflects the Torah's value of preserving life even in morally complex situations.
Moral Lessons