505. True Mercy

December-January

It is written in the Shabbat [Sabbath] song, Anyone Who Sanctifies, “Raise your hands to the holiness and say unto God, ‘Blessed is the Lord who gave rest to His people, Israel.’”

“And he called his son, Joseph, and said to him, … ‘Do with me mercy and truth.’” RASHI interpreted that true mercy means that he does not expect a payment in return. He asked why he called only Joseph. He replied that it was because he had the ability. “And he commanded Joseph saying, ‘Before his death, your father commanded, ‘Thus shall you say to Joseph, ‘Please bear the crime of your brothers.’’’” RASHI interpreted that they changed the words because of the peace, since Jacob did not command this.

“And I will give you one portion more than to your brothers.” RASHI interpreted, “Because you trouble yourself with my burial.” Thus, there is no true mercy here; it would be better that if he wanted him to keep it, he would pay him, if he wanted to give him.

However, this is the meaning of calling specifically Joseph to do a true mercy, because of the intention that he would go in this way. The intention was concerning the brothers, that he would not avenge them if he walks by a path that is not of mercy and truth. This is what they implied by “Before his death, your father commanded.”