Subject: In Memory of Baruch Yitzchak ben Yirmiyahu (Barry Pessin)
From: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
Date: 12/14/2018, 3:22 AM
To: Heath Berkin <heath.berkin@gmail.com>
BCC: menachem@alonsystems.com

In this week's parsha we read about Yosef, he became the viceroy of Egypt revealing his identity to his brother's that sold him into slavery. When he revealed his identity to his brother's they were fearful that Yosef would in some way take revenge on them. Yosef though told his brother's that his being sold in to slavery was entirely from Hashem in order that he should be in a position to sustain the family during the times of famine.

Of course, Yosef could have been upset at his brothers but he had steadfast trust in G-d that Hashem orchestrated everything, that all of the hardships he suffered were part of the grand plan to save him and his extended family.

This is the attitude we should have when someone does something that may offend or hurt us. Our natural reaction is to get upset at that person and to become angry. We must realize though that this person is only a messenger from G-d. This doesn't exempt the perpetrator from punishment nor does it mean that he/she is righteous, but it does mean that our relationship to the person and situation should not be anger or seeking revenge because this person could only harm us if Hashem Allows it. When we come to this realization hatred and anger are removed from our hearts.   

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath