Resolving an Identity Crisis: Thoughts on Parashat Vayiggash, December 26, 2009
"And Joseph said to his brothers: I am Joseph. Does my father still live?"
In re-uniting with his brothers, Joseph asked if his father was still alive. Yet, the brothers had already told him that Jacob was alive. Indeed, the rest of Joseph's words make clear that he knew Jacob was alive. So what is the significance of his question "does my father still live?" We need to understand Joseph's dilemma.