Parshat Vayigash: Looking out for father

When Tzafnat Pane’ach reveals his true identity to his brothers, he says “I am Yosef. Is my father still alive?” (45:3)

Speechless, the brothers say nothing, forcing Yosef to explain, “I am Yosef your brother whom you sold to Egypt.” He recognizes that all was part of G-d’s master plan, and makes clear he will not take revenge against them in any way.

Why is Yosef’s first question “Is my father still alive?” From all the talk that has transpired between Yosef and the brothers, it seems to be beyond question that Yaakov is still alive.

While some (Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and others) suggest Yosef revealed himself at this moment to determine if the brothers were lying—had they been using their father as a tool for a sympathy vote—the fact that Binyamin is present is a strong indicator that they hadn’t harmed him, and were telling the truth! Binyamin had not come in the first place because their father wanted him home.

Most explanations for Yosef’s initial question focus on his intent to send his brothers a message, or a rebuke, as opposed to an attempt to find out whether his father is, after all the conversations they’ve had, truly still alive.

Rabbenu Tam (quoted by Riva) says Yosef’s queries until now (e.g 43:27) determined that Yaakov was alive. Now, Yosef is asking about his father’s state of health.

Rabbi Yitzchak Caro (Toldos Yitzchak) suggests Yosef mentioned his father first in order to set their fears of his retribution against them aside. Even Eisav, who hated and wanted to kill Yaakov, knew he would never do so while his father was living (27:41). Knowing his father is alive, Yosef reminds them immediately upon revelation of his identity that he will not be punishing them now. He further mentions that it was G-d who sent him down, as evidenced by his becoming a father figure to Pharaoh, to further reassure them that they had nothing to worry about.