From Vayigash to Asarah B’Tevet, Commentaries Press a Turn Toward Responsibility and Unity

Overview

• The newer column pairs Ezekiel 37’s visions—the dry bones and the joined trees—to argue that national revival must be followed by unity grounded in shared responsibility.
• It reads Parshat Vayigash as modeling reconciliation through Yehuda’s accountability and Yosef’s focus on securing the family’s future rather than reliving past wrongs.
• Drawing on Avudraham and the Chatam Sofer, the earlier op‑ed characterizes Asarah B’Tevet as a preventive, future‑oriented fast distinct from commemorations of past destruction.
• The commentary applies this framing to current pain, citing a Hanukkah massacre in Sydney and ongoing losses since the war that began on Simchat Torah as reasons to build resilience.
• Concrete steps urged include Torah study, mitzvot, careful speech, visiting those in need, supporting family and friends, and teaching children to pursue good deeds.