D'var Torah: “Yisrael said to Yoseph, ‘Your brothers are pasturing the flocks in Shechem. Come, and I will send you to them. And Yoseph responded, “Here I am! (Bereisheis 37:13)’”. The Torah records the continuation of their conversation — “Please go and look into the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring me back word.” The obvious question is why did Yisrael repeat his request to Yoseph? Yisrael was well aware of the strife between Yoseph and his brothers. Therefore, before Yisrael charged Yoseph with this mission, he wanted to make sure that Yoseph was comfortable with this task. Yoseph responded, “Here I am.” Meaning, I am ready and willing to fulfil your will. Yisrael was very careful to not to impose an undertaking on his son that was against his nature. Only when Yoseph expressed his willingness to go on this mission, did Yisrael actually charge him to go.
Moral: We learn a new concept of Derech Eretz from Yisrael’s sensitivity to Yoseph. Before we ask our children to do a challenging task, we must clarify whether or not the required action will cause them undue distress.
Application: Before asking anyone to perform a difficult act on your behalf, clarify that the task is within their comfort zone. If you discover that the required task is too challenging for them, do not ask them to perform it.
(Based on the teachings of Rav A Shemtob)
