Uncovering Joseph’s Bones
Uncovering Joseph’s Bones
Parashat Vayechi (Genesis 47:28–50:26)
This chapter juxtaposes Jacob's burial with that of Joseph in the readings of Parashat Vayechi of Genesis, and argues that between the two death scenes Joseph's interment carries queer lessons. Immediately after Jacob died, his family bears him in pomp to the land of Israel, where he is interred in the family tomb. On the other hand, Joseph insisted that his remains be buried in Israel generations later to force the succeeding Israelites to remember their own identity as a nation, and to oblige them to return to Israel. This account admonishes the LGBT people to reinforce their identity, and carry with them the remains of their old self as they journey to their new self.
Keywords: Jacob, Joseph, LGBT people, queer lessons, Parashat Vayechi, Genesis
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