By Rabbi Shmuel Gluck

Binyomin is called a Yidid Hashem, a friend of Hashem. There are several reasons that Binyomin, more than any other Shevet, was given that title. One of the reasons is that Binyomin is the only Shevet who can’t be blamed for the selling of Yoseph. This idea, however, means that Yoseph himself is considered to be partially to blame, and that deserves some thought.

The Malbim explains that Yoseph’s actions, such as telling Yakov about the things he saw the other Shevotim do, were the catalysts that caused the brothers to conspire against him. Therefore, although he was the victim, he was also a contributing factor.

…People have a responsibility to live in a manner which considers how their living affects others and, also, how it affects them. They can also be punished for hurting themselves.

The Malbim is describing what secular thought calls an “enabler”. Victims never want to hear that they had “anything to do” with their pain. Nevertheless, people have a responsibility to live in a manner which considers how their living affects others and, also, how it affects them. They can also be punished for hurting themselves.

The Torah is once again teaching people how to think, and that is the beauty of the Torah.  It teaches people more than merely how to act. It teaches people how to think.  The Torah instructs people to calculate the ripple effects of their own actions.

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