Parashat Vayigash
וַיִּגַּשׁ · Genesis 44:18 to 47:27, portion 11 of 12 in the book of Genesis.
Next reading
Saturday 19 December 2026
9 Tevet 5787
In Israel and abroad
The year after
Saturday 8 January 2028
9 Tevet 5788
In Israel and abroad
What happens in Vayigash
Judah steps forward and offers himself as a slave in Benjamin's place. Joseph can hold back no longer and tells his brothers who he is. He sends for his father, and God tells Jacob in a night vision not to fear going down to Egypt. Jacob and his family, seventy souls, settle in Goshen, Jacob meets Pharaoh, and Joseph manages Egypt through the years of famine.
וַיִּגַּשׁ אֵלָיו יְהוּדָה וַיֹּאמֶר בִּי אֲדֹנִי יְדַבֶּר־נָא עַבְדְּךָ דָבָר בְּאָזְנֵי אֲדֹנִי וְאַל־יִחַר אַפְּךָ בְּעַבְדֶּךָ כִּי כָמוֹךָ כְּפַרְעֹה
“Then Judah came near unto him, and said: ‘Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant; for thou art even as Pharaoh.”
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Frequently asked questions
When is Parashat Vayigash read in 2026?+
On Shabbat 19 December 2026 (9 Tevet 5787), in Israel and in the Diaspora alike. The year after, it is read on 8 January 2028.
What is Parashat Vayigash about?+
Judah steps forward and offers himself as a slave in Benjamin's place. Joseph can hold back no longer and tells his brothers who he is. He sends for his father, and God tells Jacob in a night vision not to fear going down to Egypt. Jacob and his family, seventy souls, settle in Goshen, Jacob meets Pharaoh, and Joseph manages Egypt through the years of famine.