The Jerusalem Prayer List – 27 December, 2025

Torah Portion Vayigash ("He Approached") 

By Barry Shulam

Torah: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

New Testament John 10:22-42

I have heartburn reading the Parasha portion of Vayigash this week.  I will explain shortly what is causing this.

Parashat Vayigash opens with an emotionally and theologically charged moment in the Torah.

"Then Judah approached him, and said, 'Oh my lord, may your servant please speak a word in my lord's ears, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are equal to Pharaoh.'"

(Genesis 44:18, NASB)

The Hebrew text begins with:

 וַיִּגַּשׁ אֵלָיו יְהוּדָה — Vayigash elav Yehudah, “Judah drew near.”

This is physical movement. But also, in biblical Hebrew, vayigash signals:

• Courageous confrontation

• Moral responsibility

• Willingness to stand before power

• The tenderness of a grandfather approaching a child.

Judah does not retreat. He approaches authority with truth.

Judah's opening words are deliberate:

דָּבָר בְּאָזְנֵי אֲדֹנִי

Davar b'oznei adoni — "A word in my lord's ears."

This phrase conveys respect without flattery, urgency without rebellion, truth spoken directly, not whispered deceit. Judah is not manipulating Joseph. He is appealing to conscience, not exploiting power. This sets the moral tone for the entire parashah.

The Moral tone of the parashah and Joseph's deceit, lies, and framing of his brothers is where I have heartburn.  My mother and father taught me to tell the truth.  To be on the side of honesty, to be above reproach.  The methods used by Joseph, in his position of ultimate power, could have resulted in many unjust results for the sons of Jacob.  Think of stories of fellow citizens who are sitting in jail in foreign countries because they were set up by evil and corrupt persons in todays news and word.  

Some of you will disagree with me since the rabbis say, " Well, look how well it ended.  Look at Judah's repentant nature.)  However, I would argue that Judah's repentant nature was formed years before the famine in the land, way before being set up for theft by his brother Joseph.

(As I read this portion, I hear the voice of Yul Brener, who portrayed Pharaoh in the famous 10 Commandments movie from 1956) a family favorite movie to watch at home.

Judah stands as a powerless man before the most powerful official in Egypt. His brother Joseph maintains total control over the outcome.

The Torah places these two figures face-to-face to answer a question:

What does righteousness look like when power and vulnerability meet?

At this moment, Judah takes responsibility. He accurately recounts the truth and offers himself as a substitute. 

Also, at this moment, Joseph is an observer. He tests the repentance of his brothers, but ultimately relinquishes control.

Judah reaches the climax of his speech with words that echo through all of Scripture.

"Now, therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers."

(Genesis 44:33, NASB)

The audience with Joseph is the reversal of Genesis 37.

Recall who was going to sell Joseph.

"Judah said to his brothers, 'What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood?

Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.' And his brothers listened to him."

(Genesis 37:26–27, NASB)

In this scene, Judah's words stop a murder. Joseph's life is spared. Judah recognized the sanctity of life.  He drew a moral line that his brothers were about to cross and prevented an irreversible blood guilt.  Judah chooses a lesser evil, proposing to sell Joseph to make him disappear.

There are two truths to point out in Genesis 37:

1. Judah acted wrongly by selling Joseph.

2. Judah acted rightly by preventing Joseph's murder.

The Bible does not flatten moral complexity into simplistic categories.

Stopping murder does not sanctify exploitation. Preventing death does not justify betrayal. This is why Genesis 37 does not absolve Judah, but it also does not portray him as indifferent to Joseph's life.

Now, in front of his powerful brother Joseph, Judah offers himself in place of Benjamin. This was not a strategy. It was Judah's repentance proven by sacrifice.

Judah prevents the suffering of his father and brothers.  He accepts the loss personally by offering himself to stay in place of his young brother Benjamin, whom Jacob loved desperately.  He stands his ground and refuses to walk away.  What we are witnessing here is that Judah does not begin as a righteous man - he becomes one.  He finishes as a virtuous man.  This is what every father would wish for his child.  Jacob (Israel) must have been proud of his son.

In regard to Joseph, the Apostle Paul directly addresses the temptation to justify questionable actions by appealing to good results.

"And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), 'Let us do evil that good may come'?  Their condemnation is just."

(Romans 3:8, NASB)

This verse governs all ethical interpretation

The Bible never permits evil methods for righteous goals.

Therefore, Joseph's story must not be used to justify deception. Power must never be disguised as piety. An outcome of a situation never sanctifies ungodly means. Joseph's deception comes to an end quickly when his heart is changed.  Once Judah's repentance is evident, Joseph immediately ends the test.

"Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him… and he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it."

(Genesis 45:1–2, NASB)

"Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life."

(Genesis 45:5, NASB)

Joseph does not excuse their sin. He magnifies God's redemption over it. Joseph later clarifies the theology because he has the years that have passed to set a perspective which he did not have at the time that life was happening to him :

"You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."

(Genesis 50:20, NASB)

God's sovereignty over evil does not transform evil into righteousness.

Redemption is not permission.

The Ten Commandments remain the ethical boundary. So let's walk within this moral boundary.

"Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?  May it never be!"

(Romans 6:1–2, NASB)

Neither Torah nor the Gospel teaches that lying becomes holy for unity, manipulation becomes righteousness for peace, or power becomes godly when results look good.

Within the context of Parashat Vayigash, governed by Romans 3:8, Condemnation is deserved.

 "And why not say (just as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), 'Let's do evil that good may come of it"? 

 God's purposes never justify deception or manipulation, and Joseph's story must never be used to excuse power exercised under the disguise of godliness.

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This season, both in Israel and in the nations, is a season where families gather together around food and each other.  With family and national traditions, be it the light of candles or twinkling LED lights,  may you enjoy and bless friends, family, and neighbors alike.  Set aside the matters that divide you and draw near each other for support, warmth, and love.  May the family differences end like the story of Israel and his tribe.

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Update on Dad.  Monday and Tuesday were days filled with tests and an overnight hospital stay for Dad (Joseph)  on Shabbat in the synagogue. He felt weak, like he was going to faint ( a repeat of what happened in Victoria, Brazil, a couple of weeks back). He had trouble with his vision but continued teaching at Roeh Israel in Jerusalem.  Also, during the weekend, he experienced confusion about where he was, which was also a repeat of similar episodes in Brazil over the last few weeks.  Monday, he visited his primary doctor, who he shared this information with, and he sent him to the hospital for tests.  He had a heart test, a CT Scan, a Meningitis test, and an MRI of the brain.  All the tests except the heart test did not show any abnormalities.  We don't have an explanation for the fainting and confusion episodes that he has been experiencing in the last month.  Let’s pray for God’s revelation in the face of these obstacles that many aging people face.  - Barry

https://www.netivyahinternational.org/bluehearthttps://youtu.be/LTSrLDD6ig0

I have a sponsor that wants to bless the widowers that might find it challenging purchase the Parasha.  Please reach out to us at office@netivyahinternational.org if you know someone we can bless with mailing them a parasha workbook. - Barry ShulamStep into the first-century rhythm of faith.In the days of Yeshua, the synagogue gathered each week to read the Torah, the Prophets, and the Scriptures. This same rhythm shaped the apostles and the early community of believers. The Parasha Reading & Journal Workbook revives this timeless practice for today.Each week you’ll find the Torah portion, Haftara, and New Testament readings, along with summaries, reflection questions, and journaling space. Discover how God’s covenant, Israel’s story, and Messiah come alive in one unified cycle of Scripture.Whether you’re new to the parasha cycle or seeking a deeper Messianic journey, this workbook will guide your study and enrich your walk with God.📖 Begin your journey today: https://a.co/d/1oANKVq

The Prayer List

Pray for the following brothers and sisters who need divine grace and the gentle touch of the hand of God for healing and strength.

In Jerusalem: 

update Joseph Shulam - Prayer for dads health concerns.

Ilana Hanhijärvi is a dear sister who is 99 years old and suffering from memory problems.

Please pray for our dear sister, Lea Kurki.

Pray for Adam's father and mother, Barry and Dalia. They have some health problems and challenges.

Pray for Miriam a dear sister old age dementia.

Pray for Um Mahmud Abu-Eid, Jimmy Abu-Eid, and all of the family. This is a dear family of old friends that needs healing and wisdom for the children and for their work.

Please pray for the Romero family, who live deep in the Negev desert. It is hot there, and they are far from our congregation, and we miss them.

In the U.K.:

Pray for Deborah Isaiah. I pray for the Lord to find Deborah Isaiah and lead her to a blessed life, family, and a solution to her problems.

In Finland: 

Mauno Lemponen health has not changed which is a good thing.  they are evaluating moving closer to other family members —prayers for Hilkka, Miika, and Ester who will support this possible change. Please pray as moving is always a big task.

Keijo and Salme are doing well.  Both Keijo and Salme need your prayers for their health issues.

Pray for Satu-Maria, Sini Tuulia, Anne Mirjami, our dear sisters

Pray for Eva H., Patty, Andrea, Julia, Victor, Aaron Tani, and Hillel.

Pray for the family of X in Finland who are waiting to see there children and Grandchildren to be in faith in the Lord.  its stressful to not have all your children walk in faith.

in Denmark:

Cynthia M asked that you for praying for her health. She has neutropenia and chronic asthma and I has been undergoing biological treatment with injections every two weeks since 2021 so I ask you to pray for better results and better health conditions as the symptoms, respiratory infections, medications and injections make me very tired every day. 

Mass has lost his wife and has small children.  Please pray for Mass a this children as he navigates this major change in his life and the Childrens life.  May God bless him with direction 

In Brazil:

Pray for a dear young man, Paulo, from Curitiba, Brazil, who seriously needs our prayers for sanity and mental health.

Pray for a dear sister named Claudia Rita Souze Arau. She has cancer and needs God's healing hands to touch her with healing. 

In Asia:

Pray for Pastor TJ in Taiwan.

Pray for Deborah Ruth, a dear sister from China.

Pray for Sister Yoko Nagumo in Japan.

Tony Tam, his wife Luisa, and his son Marco need special prayers for their situation.

We continue to pray for Zhou Wenrian, the Abe family, Toru San, Yumi Ohara, and her family: Deborah Ruth, Ayla, Daniel, and their daughter. 

Pray for Dr. Song and his wife, Sister Harriet Kim and the KIBI Ministry.

In the United States of America:

new Nathaniel F. Heart Blockages.  Undergoing testing to set a medical plan.

Arwin Prieto undergoes surgery for cancer on Dec 19th at 10:00 am prayer that all goes well.

prayers for Elle's husband to find a job, for her PRP injections and her family's needs.

I ask for prayers for divine intervention in the lives of my “A”  and her husband, my brother, “G”  and their son, l am begging the Eternal for healing and salvation for this family.

Shirley J heart surgery is needed since her stents did not work.  She is asking for faith to be strengthened 

Ray H. is having a similar health issue like Marcia Shulam did where id blood pressure drops when we stands up.

Irina L. is in need of a kidney transplant. her kidney is beginning to fail and is only 26% functioning.  Prayer for a suitable donor and wisdom for the doctors and medical team to maintain her kidney functions. (Irina is the twin sister of pastor Serge from Kazakhstan.

Elisheva’s husband is recovering from a fourth surgery. on September 23 he will have a 5th surgery.  Also prayer for healing for Elisheva's left leg and hip joint healing. Also an interview next week for a new job.

Manny is asking for prayers for his father's health that is in decline.

Jenny is going to have some medical evaluations.  asking for prayers for the best outcome that will not impact her current life plans and her ability to drive a car.

spoke with Shirleyann. Her skin cancer was treated and she has to put a cancer treatment cream on her spots daily.  her follow up visit is Dec 4th.

Jordan Issac - prayer for his treatments to work.  Prayer for a mentor to step in and support him in his search for the Lord.

Pete and Marge.  Marge is undergoing test for Breast cancer and they are in the process of trying to get legal guardianship of their grandkids. They are both in the mid 80s.  Please pray for strength and longevity to get these kids past college age.

Aida Ramirez is back in her apartment from rehab. praise the Lord.  please pray for her continued recovery and dementia complications.

Aida Gonzalez needs prayers as the is the main caretaker of her mother Aida.  Continue topray for strength and congregations support.

Pat S pain management has improved with some shots. Keep Philip who is 89 and is caring for Pat in you prayers.  

Larry is asking for prayers for his grandchildren.  I would say most of us that have grandchildren are concerned about the states of the world.  The state of intolerance.  The temptations out there.  Please pray for the holy sprit to guide them in making good choices.

Juli got a good report on her last scan and she is also in remission.  So praise God. Give thanks to the Lord for he is Good.

Bill has been able to change the regiment where the side effects are manageable and we are thankful for that. We are praying for healing and strength and comfort for Jill and Bill.

Barbra and  Angie in Alaska. Barbra has some pains and discomfort related to old age. Please lift them in prayer for strength and reduction in pain.

Please pray for Danah, my daughter's health issues. I pray for the Lord to give Danah wisdom, peace, and calm in life and her work.

Aaron Hook, Nancy Hook's oldest son, needs our prayers for wisdom and healing from past life issues.

Pray for these important men of God: Rabbi Salt, his family, and Rabbi Hasselblad. They are both older and need protection and blessings.

pray for Ilana Avramov, who is married to my cousin Nissim and lives in New York City. Ilana is home now. her health is in a decline like Marcia. She and Nissim both need our prayers. 

Pray for Steve Mock - His cognitive condition has declined, and we ask for the grace of God and His Healing and strength.   Steve and Josie's son Joseph has received a wonderful and glorious report. After the last bone marrow transplant, the report is that the doctors didn't find any leukemia in his body! Praise the Lord!