This week’s portion, Vayigash, coincides with an important astrological event: the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. This rare alignment, last seen in the 16th century, is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, making it especially significant. You may be wondering what this event represents. To understand, we need to consider the qualities of these two planets. Jupiter is associated with expansion, vision, and the bigger picture, while Saturn symbolizes structure, discipline, and limitations. On the surface, these energies seem contradictory—Jupiter represents growth without boundaries, while Saturn emphasizes constraints. Yet, in this conjunction, the two come together. Is this a confrontation? Perhaps. However, in the context of Vayigash, it may be more meaningful to view this event as an integration of opposites.

In this portion, we witness the collision of opposite energies in the figures of Judah and Joseph. Spiritually, their meeting represents the union of two kings, each embodying contrasting qualities. Judah represents the element of receiving, while Joseph represents the element of taking. As spiritual people, we often feel drawn to prioritize giving over receiving, associating charity and generosity with spiritual life. We may also have an instinctive tendency to view receiving as selfish, or tied to the ego. A superficial reading of giving and receiving might conclude that giving is selfless and receiving is selfish. But upon deeper reflection, we see that the relationship between giving and receiving is not so simple.

Why did the Creator make this world and give life to it? This is a profound question. Given all the blessings we enjoy, we must conclude that receiving is a crucial part of G-d’s plan for us. G-d is a giver, and He wants us to enjoy all the beauty and abundance this world has to offer. To reject that gift would not be selfless; it would be ungrateful. If it pleases G-d for us to receive, then receiving cannot be inherently wrong. This also extends to our relationships with one another. While giving is undoubtedly beautiful, receiving, when done correctly, is also a great gift. The one who gives to us takes joy from the act of giving. In this sense, the recipient’s ability to receive becomes a gift to the giver.

There is a crucial distinction between simply receiving and receiving correctly. When Judah speaks of receiving, he speaks of receiving as an act of giving. He desires to receive only because this allows him to honor the giver. He does not seek to receive because he perceives a lack in himself. As individuals, we should avoid connecting to a mindset of lack. We should not see ourselves as living in scarcity. The Creator has granted us abundance, after all. It is our duty to receive with gratitude. This mindset of abundance enables us not only to receive, but also to give, thus creating a cycle where others have the opportunity to give to us in return.

The truly correct way to receive is with this philosophy: “I do not want anything unless the Creator wants to give it to me.” This is the level Judah embodies in this portion, and it is the level we should aspire to. When we reach this understanding, we will find that our desires are met. Until then, we will remain frustrated. We need to shift from “I want to receive because I lack” to “I want to receive because the Creator wishes to give.” This shift also means accepting the Creator’s timing. True receiving does not demand gifts right now. Too many people mistakenly believe that they should receive everything immediately. But demanding gifts prematurely not only frustrates us but also disrupts the flow of the world.

Giving and receiving must exist in balance. This is one of the core purposes of spirituality. There is a common misconception that being spiritual means receiving more gifts. However, what actually happens is that we begin to perceive and appreciate the gifts we already have. In this portion, we see a connection between two forces: energy and the vessel that contains or channels it. You can receive all the blessings in the world, but without the proper vessel, they will be lost or wasted. Spirituality doesn’t summon greater gifts—the Creator has already prepared them for us. What spirituality does is prepare us to receive them by transforming our vessel.

This portion is beautiful because we see the union of Judah and Joseph. Unity should be our overarching goal in all that we do. It is G-d’s will that we come together as one. While Judah and Joseph seemed to represent opposing forces, their union shows us how we can integrate giving and receiving. When done correctly, receiving becomes a selfless act. Paradoxically, giving leads to greater abundance rather than lack. With Vayigash and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction, we are invited to question the binaries we hold in our minds and to explore the nuance and connection between opposites.

Can we expand our vision (Jupiter) without disregarding the limits of others (Saturn)? Can we find a balance between giving (Joseph) and receiving (Judah)? Do we understand how to receive correctly? And perhaps most importantly, can we unite with others—even those who seem very different from ourselves? These are the questions raised by Vayigash, and our spiritual work will guide us to the moment where we can sincerely answer “yes.”