Vayyigash- Don't Worry, God is With You

 “And they went up out from Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. And they spoke to him saying, "Joseph still lives, and thus he is ruler over all the land of Egypt," and his [Jacob’s] heart stopped because he did not believe them. And they told him all the words Joseph told them, and he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, and the spirit of Jacob their father revived. And Israel said, "It is enough; Joseph my son still lives; I will go see him before I die.”” Breishit 45:25-28

When his sons return to him, Jacob is an old man. He is weary, having spent many years mourning Joseph. Fully enveloped in his emotions, Jacob has put aside his identity as Yisrael, one who wrestles, the head of the family and the father of our people, and has returned only to his previous persona of Yaakov, one who follows. He is going through the actions of life, but he is not really living. Upon hearing that Joseph lives, his heart stops, but he is revived as Israel. "It is enough.” says Israel. He is not concerned about his position in the family; he cares not for the wealth and glory of Joseph. He cares only that his son is alive.

However, now that Jacob is emotionally healed of his grief over Joseph he is no longer the frightened follower. He automatically becomes the strong and confident wrestler who is Israel.

Israel sets out, with his entire household, for Egypt. On the road Israel stops in Beersheva, offering sacrifices at the altar Isaac had built. God speaks to him in "night visions." In these dreams God calls out "Jacob, Jacob..." In his dreams, Israel reverts to his personal self. He is the insecure Jacob, the Jacob who ran from his brother and uncle, the Jacob who is sometimes afraid, the Jacob who allows his emotions to get the better of him. God calls, "Jacob, Jacob..." "Hineini; I am here." answers Jacob/Israel. God tells Jacob/Israel not to fear what is to come. There is a plan, and God will be there. It hearkens back to Jacob's earlier dream. After his dreams as a young man, Jacob made his covenant with God. Jacob promised to always follow as long as God will protect Jacob. Here, on the eve of entering Egypt, God reminds Jacob that no matter whether he is the strong leader of our people or the vulnerable Jacob, God is with him, as He will be with Jacob's descendants.