This is a dangerous and precarious time for God. It appears that whichever way we turn, religious and political figures are feeling emboldened to speak 'Truth' on behalf of the Almighty One. And, in many instances, the speaking of these so-called 'Truths' is leading to aggressive action.
I'm often baffled by those who read holy texts and decisively conclude they know the 'True' intent of the original word. I am equally perplexed by those who experience powerful and transformative religious moments, and then assume that their 'Truth' is necessarily a universal 'Truth' to be applied to all others.
The end of the tumultuous saga between Joseph and his brothers provides deep wisdom that speaks to current realities. After the death of their father, Jacob, the brothers are rightly worried that Joseph will now enact revenge upon them for their earlier sin, namely, callously selling him into slavery (Genesis 50:15). Proactively, they sent him this message:
"Before his death your father left this instruction: So shall you say to Joseph, 'Forgive, I urge you, the offense and guilt of your brothers who treated you so harshly.' Therefore, please forgive the offense of the servants of the God of your father." (Genesis 50:16-17)
Joseph, instead of feeling manipulated in his time of grief, immediately shed tears at this attempt at reconciliation. His brothers then approached him physically, bowed down to him, and offered themselves as his slaves. He offered them this response:
"Have no fear! Am I a substitute for God? Besides, although you intended me harm, God intended it for good, so as to bring about the present result - the survival of many people. And so fear not. I will sustain your children." Thus he reassured them, speaking kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21)
Admittedly, there is uncomfortable theology being espoused here by Joseph. After all, how comfortable can we feel knowing that so many experience pain at the hands of others without ever knowing the positive results that Joseph experienced?
The key phrase, though, is Joseph's realization that no human can be an authoritative substitute for God. Even as a keen interpreter of dreams and a high-powered Egyptian official, Joseph is well aware that his esteemed status does not give him the right to speak for God, but only the responsibility to act in a Godly way: With compassion, love, forgiveness, and reassurance.
Almost all religious communities will undoubtedly be marked by some system of hierarchy, and for good reason. Each of us has a voice, to be sure, but we require leadership and positive mentors to empower and energize our inner Torah. The ability to be a profound leader of religious and communal life takes great training, emotional awareness, significant command of ancient and modern wisdom, and an array of practical skills and techniques that encourage, enliven, and uplift the dignity of one's followers.
And, frankly, a religious leader (or a leader who wants to speak on religion's behalf) must be imbued with a large and healthy dose of humility. Humility. Humility is the awareness that while what we have to say and teach may be valuable, even essential at times, it does not mean that such a lesson is objectively 'True', or what God necessarily meant, or means.
This idea was stated well and expanded upon by the prodigious social psychologist, Dr. Erich Fromm:
"The faculty to think objectively is reason; the emotional attitude behind reason is that of humility. To be objective, to use one's reason, is possible only if one has achieved an attitude of humility, if one has emerged from the dreams of omniscience and omnipotence which one has as a child." (The Art of Loving, 109)
Our rabbinic tradition has always maintained that God's message, while authoritative and eternal, is 'True' only when experienced as subjective and open to expansive interpretation. It is just as our tradition teaches – shivim panim la'Torah – there are seventy faces to Torah. Which is to say, nestled inside of each word, phrase, and verse of the Torah there are a multiplicity of truths to be unearthed. It doesn't make every possible interpretation objectively true, but it does negate the possibility of their being only one definitive 'Truth'.
Today, more than ever, we ought to celebrate leadership that embodies a humility and openness that breathes life into the interpretations and experiences of others. Joseph understood this. He couldn't exact revenge on God's behalf. He knew this because he attained a sophisticated level of humility, and he understood that his responsibility as a prominent leader demanded nothing less.