Parshat Vayigash focuses on the reconciliation between Yosef and his brothers, orchestrated by Yehuda. The past two parshiyot have chronicled the deep rift within the family. But now, after betrayal, resentment and years of silence, Yehuda and Yosef each assume the necessary responsibility to bring about reunification. Yehuda acknowledges his role in selling Yosef into slavery. Yosef, instead of continuing to play cat and mouse with his brothers, tearfully reveals his identity to his brothers and inquires after their father’s fate. This willingness of mutual acceptance of responsibility to restore broken relationships lies at the heart of this week’s parsha, and is a cornerstone of modern redemption itself.

The same theme is reflected in this week’s haftara. Yechezkel’s prophecy in chapter 37 describes how two trees, representing the divided biblical kingdoms........

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