The ninth portion of Torah brings a whirlwind of emotions to its protagonists, not to mention to us, as readers. The long-awaited resolution of the profound family divide that has existed since the story of the pit seems to evaporate as Joseph reveals himself and the men are reconciled. There is, of course, one man who is not yet in Egypt for this reunion, but it will not be long until Jacob, their father and our patriarch, arrives. But, in near perfect contrast, the gruelling famine that Joseph had foreseen continues, unrelentingly. This is almost the end of the Genesis adventures and the story is set up perfectly for a glorious conclusion.