The Yoots

Each generation of youth bring a new energy to society. They challenge the status and make change. Sometimes for good and sometimes for what may seem to be the opposite of good. That is the way of the world. It is the evolution of history that often allows for us to look back and see how the rebellion of a particular era of youth led to positive change in the world.  

Among the many qualities and challenges today’s youth generation bring to the table is a type of honest and a bucking of tradition. They don’t follow traditional structures that their parents belong or belonged to. They speak openly about things a prior generation may have brushed under the carpet. They disrupt the status quo.

Is this honesty a good thing? 

An interesting commentary (Rashi) on a verse in this week’s Parsha addresses this question.

In the Parsha we are introduced to Joseph and the tension he experienced with his brothers. His behavior irks his brothers. His fathers special love for him makes his brothers jealous. The Torah tells us that “they hated him and were not able to speak peacefully with him”.  

Rashi comments; from the Torah’s criticism of the brothers we learn their praise. That is, to teach us, that they didn’t speak one thing in the mouth and another in the heart.

In one word the Torah tells us their criticism and their praise. Their inability to speak nicely to him which is a negative also reflects the positive. That is that they were authentic and transparent.

It’s not always pleasant to hear what the other thinks of you or of the state of society. But speaking the truth is the only way change gets made.

So, it may be frustrating to hear it spoken openly and it may not all be a correct perspective but it is authentic and that is how change is made.

Have a great Shabbos!