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Vayechi(Genesis 47:28-50:26)
Excuses, excuses
Do you trust your best friend? What about your son? I hope you answered in the affirmative. Then, why doesn't Jacob seem to trust Joseph with burying him in Ma'arat HaMachpaila -- the Cave of the Patriarchs -- in Hebron, in this week's Torah portion? Let's explore the issue.
Right in the beginning of the Parsha (47:29), we find Jacob feeling close to death and making plans for his burial. He calls for Joseph and makes him state that Jacob would not be buried in Egypt but would be buried in Hebron with Abraham and Isaac.
Joseph readily agrees. But that is not enough for Jacob. He makes Joseph swear on it, which Joseph does.
Why wasn't Joseph's word enough? Besides being Jacob's trusted son, Joseph was a supremely righteous individual. Would he violate his father's command? Why would Jacob feel the need to make Joseph swear?
We find apparent further worry from Jacob later in the story. After Jacob finishes blessing his sons, he again tells all of his sons that they should bury him in Hebron (49:29). Didn't Jacob already make Joseph swear that he would carry it out? Why command again to bury him in Hebron?
The explanation is that Jacob was afraid of excuses, even valid ones. Sure, he knew that Joseph would not willingly fail to carry out Jacob's wishes, but there may be a legitimate reason why Joseph could not fulfill it. In fact, Jacob may have reasoned that Pharaoh may not want to have Jacob buried outside of Egypt. Since Jacob was a famous personality, he would want Jacob's Tomb to be in Egypt. Therefore, Pharaoh may not allow Joseph to bring Jacob's body to Israel. So, Jacob had Joseph swear, not because he didn't trust Joseph, but because he felt that Pharaoh may let Joseph do it if Joseph can tell Pharaoh that he swore on the issue.
Indeed, we find that when Joseph asks Pharaoh to take Jacob's body to Israel, Pharaoh only agrees based on the oath: Pharaoh said, 'Go up and bury your father since you swore to him' (Genesis 50:6).
This is also why Jacob mentioned his burial request to all of the brothers, not only to Joseph. If for some reason Joseph were unable to carry out the request due to his loyalties to Pharaoh, perhaps the other brothers would somehow find a way to make it work.
Jacob feared that excuses or rationalizations would prevent his wishes from being performed. Jacob desperately desired to be buried with his fathers in Hebron and used all avenues available to make it happen. He had to be buried in Hebron. Nothing could prevent it. 'No, it won't work' was not part of his vocabulary.
We all know that when we really want to accomplish something, nothing can stand in our way. If I am a diehard sports fan and the big championship is being played, I must find a way to get tickets to the game. I'll wait on line for 24 hours straight if I have to but I will get the tickets. And if my car breaks down then I'll walk. There will be no room for excuses.
Yes, there's that old cliche, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' The question though is: what does our will really want? Can we honestly say that we are not studying Torah, praying, or performing acts of kindness well because we are too tired or too busy? Or is it that we don't have a strong will in these spiritual areas? Do we cave in when faced with even a slight obstacle or do we carry on with an 'It has to work at all costs' attitude?
John unfortunately became wrapped up in gambling. When he came to his senses and realized that he was destroying his soul as well as his life, he desperately needed to develop a plan to find a way that would guarantee that he never gamble again. He would not accept excuses for himself. He decided that he would make a vow to God to stop gambling, and that if he ever gambles, God should come and deal with him. That's a pretty heavy course of behavior and definitely not what everyone should do, but we can say one thing about this man: He definitely had a strong spiritual will!
What is our excuse factor in our lives? How much do we really desire spiritual growth? How often do we let excuses reign?
We must always remember what a wise man once said: 'Do or Do not. There is no try.'
(6) Anonymous , January 5, 2009
I believe this idea can be further transmitted into our lives. We can apply to our relationship with others. We all know that if something is important to us, we make sure that nothing gets in the way, we don't allow excuses to dominate. But what about when you are doing something for someone else, a Chesed? Then do you let excuses seap it? What if it is something that you don't particullarly care out about, but you know your friend does?
(5) Anonymous , January 13, 2006
I believe very strongly that if you make a promise, you should do everything possible to make sure you keep that promise. With G-d's help, nothing is impossible.
May you be successful in all of your worthy endeavours, and learn from your mistakes. Shalom!
(4) Zohar Flax , January 5, 2004
I don't want to be one who makes excuses. I've found that if my conscience is seared, I hide from the truth in matters. Excuses are simply self deception. When I get right and make teshuva, I know Ha Shem as my all in all and there is no need to be untruthful. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.
(3) Robert goldman , December 17, 2002
99% of people live on excuses, the other 1% do it / or dont .
If we lived in such a comunity of do it or dont do it,no excuses ,real reasons only, we all would be far better off in doing our true work in this world.
(2) Kenneth R. Handschuh , December 17, 2002
Every so often, it takes a comentary such a this to make one stop and think. For the last two days I have been busy cleanjng and rearanging my studo. Yesterday I looked up and realise that I have Torah and Torah commentaries to read and here I am today with both yet to read. Was I really too busy or did i just find an excuse not to do it?