Parshat Mikeitz: The Brothers’ Betrayal: Lessons from Yosef’s Sale into Slavery

 

Why did Yosef's brothers sell him? How could the sons of Yaakov, disciples of righteous teachings, commit such a terrible act?

The Torah offers us insight into the events that led to this tragedy.

Yaakov, recognizing Yosef’s exceptional aptitude for learning, had gifted him an elegant woolen tunic as a mark of distinction. Yosef had absorbed the teachings of Shem, Eiver, and Yitzchok more deeply than his brothers, and Yaakov wanted to nurture his growth. These teachings traced back to the earliest generations of humanity. Shem, the son of Noah, had learned from Mesushelach, who lived during Adam’s lifetime, transmitting divine laws through an unbroken chain of knowledge. Shem and Eiver even established schools to teach divine enlightenment to seekers.

Yaakov passed this treasured legacy to Yosef. However, this act of singling out one child aroused envy among the brothers, a mistake the Sages caution against. This was the first seed of discord.

The second reason for the brothers’ resentment was Yosef’s reports to Yaakov about their actions. Yosef, believing his father should know about his brothers’ missteps to guide them, often relayed what he interpreted as misconduct. For instance, Yosef accused his brothers of debauchery when he overheard a young woman affectionately addressing them. Another time, he reported that they treated the children of Bilhah and Zilpah as inferiors when they hastily reprimanded them. Yosef’s incomplete accounts painted his brothers in a negative light, fueling their anger.

The third and final catalyst was Yosef’s dreams. He dreamt that his brothers’ sheaves of grain bowed to him, and later, that the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed to him. To his brothers, these dreams symbolized a growing despot within their family—one who aspired to enslave them and even their father. They saw Yosef as a threat to the future of the House of Yaakov.

Convinced they were acting to preserve their family and nation, the brothers plotted against Yosef. While Shimon and Levi proposed killing him, Yehuda intervened, suggesting they sell him instead.

Years later, the brothers came to regret their actions. During their journey to Egypt to buy grain amidst a famine, they faced harsh treatment, including imprisonment and accusations of espionage. They realized the divine retribution for their sin. As they lamented, “We witnessed the distress of his soul when he begged us, and we did not listen” (Bereishit 42:21). Their guilt culminated when Yosef revealed himself to them, showing no malice and providing for their families. Despite his immense power, Yosef comforted them: “Indeed, you intended evil against me, but God designed it for good… So now, do not fear. I will sustain you and your small children” (Bereishit 50:20-21).

The arrival of Yaakov’s family in Egypt marked the first Galut (exile) in Jewish history, born out of brotherly enmity. This pattern repeated during the Second Temple era when two brothers, Hyrcanus and Aristobulus, invited Roman intervention to resolve their dispute over Judea’s throne. This act ultimately led to the destruction of the Temple and the expulsion of the Jews.

History teaches us that enmity among Jews brings disaster, while unity serves as a wellspring of salvation and strength.

By Rav Yitzchok Zilber ztk"l
Founder, Toldot Yeshurun