After Yosef revealed his true identity to his brothers he is finally able to embrace his full brother Binyamin (Benjamin). Here’s how the Torah describes the reunion:
וַיִּפֹּל עַל־צַוְּארֵי בִנְיָמִן־אָחִיו וַיֵּבְךְּ וּבִנְיָמִן בָּכָה עַל־צַוָּארָיו׃
He (Yosef) fell upon the neck of Binyamin, his brother and wept. And Binyamin wept upon his (Yosef’s) neck. (45:13)
Rashi cites a Midrash that there was more to this crying than meets the eye. When the Torah states that Yosef wept on Binyamin’s neck it was for the Temples, the first and second Beit HaMikdash which were to be in Benjamin’s territory in Israel and which would ultimately be destroyed. When the Torah states that Binyamin wept on Yosef’s neck it was for the Tabernacle of Shiloh, the Mishkan, which was to be in Joseph’s territory and which would ultimately be destroyed.
Why now at this time of joyous reunification would they through the power of Ruach HaKodesh, Divine inspiration, be crying for what would transpire in the future?
The answer is that although they were overjoyed to be reunited, they were reminded of all the years of separation and pain they had gone through. With that they remembered what brought all that pain about- the jealousy and hatred of the brothers towards Yosef. Once that came to mind they realized that this malady was not just the past. The Talmud teaches us that the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed because of sinat chinam, unwarranted hatred that existed within the Jewish nation. Yosef and Binyamin realized the potential danger this held for their descendants and through Ruach Hakodesh they saw the tragic results.
What still needs explanation is that Yosef cried over Binyamin’s loss and Binyamin cried over Yosef’s. Why didn’t they cry over their own? The answer given is that Yosef and Binyamin wanted to teach us how to rectify and atone for sinat chinam. Don’t just be focused on your own pain. Think about someone else’s and treat it like your own! That shows true friendship and love and that is what brings people back together.
Not only that, the Talmud (Bava Kamma 92a) teaches of the amazing blessing in doing so.
כל המבקש רחמים על חבירו והוא צריך לאותו דבר הוא נענה תחילה
Anyone who asks for compassion from Heaven on behalf of another, and he requires compassion from Heaven concerning that same matter, he is answered first!
Next week we will observe the fast of Asara B’Tevet, the tenth day of the month of Tevet. This commemorates the siege of Jerusalem that culminated in the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. As we mentioned before, the lack of unity amongst the Jewish people was the cause for the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash. That has to be rectified for it to be returned to us. The more we unite the closer the Beit HaMikdash is to returning. Therefore Asara b’Teves is the day to shed ourselves of animosity and resentment so that by unitying with one another we will unite with Hashem and see the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash with the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days.
Shabbat Shalom!
Yitzchak