It’s one of the great mysteries of the Torah: why did Yosef’s own brothers plot to kill him? These Shevatim (tribes) weren’t ordinary people. They were the Shivtei Kah – the holy Tribes of Hashem. Their names were engraved on the precious stones of the Kohen Gadol’s eifod (High Priests’ apron). And yet, they considered killing their own brother. How could this be?
The Shivtei Kah Ruling
The Rabbis explain that the brothers held a Beit Din (rabbinical court) and concluded that Yosef deserved the death penalty. From their perspective, he was a danger. He reported their misdeeds to Yaakov, and his dreams suggested he would one day rule over them. According to the Seforno (Bereishit 37:18), when they saw Yosef approaching, they believed he was plotting against them.
Then the pasuk says, “And they sat down to eat bread.” Imagine, after throwing their brother into a pit with deadly snakes and scorpions, they could still sit and eat. The Seforno says they truly thought Yosef brought this upon himself.
וַיִּשְׁמַע רְאוּבֵן וַיַּצִּלֵהוּ מִיָּדָם וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא נַכֶּנּוּ נָפֶשׁ
Reuven heard and saved him from their hand. He said, “Let us not take his life”
Bereishit 37:12
Appreciation This Far
But Reuven felt differently. Even when the brothers believed Yosef deserved death, Reuven’s gratitude changed everything.
The Midrash explains. Reuven had once moved Yaakov’s bed from Bilhah’s tent to his mother, Leah’s tent. This act was looked down upon and Reuven thought perhaps his title as one of the Shivtei Kah would be taken away. When he heard Yosef’s dream, that all 11 stars would bow to Yosef, the 11 stars representing the 11 brothers, Reuven realized he was still included among the Shevatim. This gave him a sense of belonging and security and so out of gratitude, this dream inspired him to save Yosef’s life.
So Full Of Gratitude
Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz (in Sichot Mussar, p. 318) highlights the depth of this lesson. Reuven still understood that, technically, the brothers’ verdict was just. But his gratitude for the dream’s protection compelled him to act.
The Torah says, “Vayishma Reuven” and Reuven heard. Rabbi Shmuelevitz explains that this really means, “Reuven thought deeply.” He reflected on the security Yosef’s dream had given him and felt an obligation to save him.
What makes this even more remarkable? Yosef didn’t intend to help Reuven at all. Yet Reuven’s appreciation turned an ordinary dream into a life-saving moment. This teaches a powerful idea: even when someone’s actions benefit us unintentionally, we must recognize it and show gratitude. Sometimes, we can even extend appreciation to those who were part of a group that did good even if they didn’t act individually.
Story Time!
Near the end of his life, the Chafetz Chaim was too weak to go to his Yeshivah in Radin. One day, he invited a young American student who had just joined the Yeshivah to his home. The Tzadik spoke warmly, asked about his family, his learning, and his daily routine. Why this special attention?
That year, Russia faced a severe shortage of wheat, threatening the mitzvah of baking matzah. America sent shipments, allowing the mitzvah to be fulfilled. The Chafetz Chaim was filled with gratitude for this miracle. And the young student became the vessel through which the Tzadik expressed it.
It’s remarkable to realize that Reuven’s act of gratitude, when he saved Yosef, set in motion a chain of events that changed history. Yosef rose to greatness, sustained the Jewish people, and began a legacy that would continue for generations ultimately leading to Mashiach ben Yosef!
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
