MAQAM OF THE WEEK- Vayigash: ויגש

For Shabbat Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27), Maqam BAYAT is applied to the prayers according to some sources. The definition of 'BAYAT' is an oath of allegiance to an emir when one sells themselves and pledges complete loyalty to the king. In our case, the BAYAT is performed by Judah, speaking on behalf of his brothers, who sells himself completely to Joseph (the emir) and declares complete loyaly to him. Similarly, Maqam BAYAT is used at a Bar Mitzvah, because one makes the BAYAT commitment to observe the missvot and declare complete loyalty to God. According to other opinions, Maqam MAHOUR (Shrem) or SIGAH (Damascus source) should be applied. An explanation for applying Maqam Mahour is that this maqam symbolizes an 'exchange', and in this perasha, the situation of the brothers rapidly changes from being imprisoned to redemption upon finding out that Joseph is alive. MISHMARA: Kelim.

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