“And when the time approached for Israel to die, he summoned his son Joseph and said to him, ‘Do me this favour’” Genesis 47:29
The story of Joseph is built on a wide range of human emotions. There is hatred and anger, jealously, pride, disappointment and despair. In the final chapters of the story, these powerful emotions give way to compassion and kindness.
As Jacob’s last days approach, his only wish is to be buried with his family in Hebron. The only one who can grant this is Joseph. Jacob knows well that Joseph’s mother, Rachel, lies buried in Bethlehem, because Jacob himself did not make the effort to bring her to Hebron. Jacob does not deserve to have his wish granted. He is dependent on the kindness of others.
The Torah has two different terms for kindness — chesed is the normal kindness that one shows another when he or she does something beyond the call of duty. But kindness is rarely without hope of reward. The fact that one has helped another creates an obligation which can be called upon in the future. Kindness is rarely altruistic.
