Vayeishev (1): Coming to Terms

Yaakov sends Yosef to see how the other brothers were doing:

לך נא ראה שלום אחיך - Go now and observe the well-being of your brothers.

Was Yaakov simply looking for a news update, or was something deeper going on?

In Kabalistic tradition Yosef is connected to the concept of Yesod, which is the power to connect, influence and instill life. The Sefarim HaKedoshim relate that Yesod is often referred to as Shalom - peace. The explanation of this connection is obvious: Chibur (connection) is impossible without Shalom. Unless there is harmony between giver and receiver then the connection won't spark and nothing can be transmitted. If I can't convince you to open your hands, then the gift I want to give you will fall and shatter on the floor.

R' Shimon Bar Yochai exemplified this concept. The Gemara relates that he first exited the cave and began to burn the world down with his eyes. He was returned to the cave. Even though he was pulsating with Torah and Kedushah, he had not reached a state of balance with the world around him that would allow him to share his greatness with others. Only the second time around when he could fully connect to his surrounding was his true holiness able to fully express itself.

With this in mind we can understand the words of R' Simcha Bunim of P'shischa, zy"a. From the very beginning of the story we observe friction between Yosef and the brothers. The dreams, the coat and other factors made Yosef come across as if there was a sense of grandeur about him. Irrelevant of who caused it - Yosef felt a disconnect with his brothers.

For this reason Yaakov told him, if you want to fulfill your destiny as a giver and provider (Yesod) then you must come to terms with your siblings (Shalom). This is the deeper meaning of the task לך נא ראה שלום אחיך. Yaakov didn't need the news, he was sending Yosef on a mission through which he could fully manifest his potential.

This is true for us as well. Each Jewish soul has so much to offer. But if my interpersonal relationships are falling short then there will be no one to receive that which my essence is longing to give.