Torah: Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) Haftarah: (Amos 2:6-3:8)
Hag Urim! Happy Festival of Lights! Happy Hanukkah
First Night of Hanukkah will be sundown, Thursday, December 10th
The Torah parsha this Shabbat continues with Joseph’s dreams, which caused jealousy among his brothers. Joseph’s brothers sold him to a caravan of Ishmaelites. The story of Judah and Tamar. Joseph rejects Potiphar’s wife. Joseph is thrown into prison, and interprets dreams of Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker.
While during this pandemic, many of us have time to think and even dream of better days coming. In ancient times, dreams have tantalized people with their inner secrets. Today, dreams are used to explore the inner thoughts of the dreamer’s mind. In ancient times, however, dreams were thought to be signs from the divine powers exposing their intent. During this time frame in Mesopotamia and Egypt there were professional dream interpreters. The Torah portion has six dreams. Two are by Joseph, two by the prisoners, and two by Pharaoh added to the suspense of the Joseph story. Joseph attributes his ability of interpreting dreams to G-d, the ultimate Interpreter.
(Genesis 40:8).
Another important value or mitzvah was Bitachon:trust. During Joseph’s trails of slavery and imprisonment, Joseph never lost his trust in G-d and a better future. When one looks at the Hebrew word Emunah:faith is related to Emet:truth. The letters in Hebrew of Emet are aleph, mem and tav. Aleph is the first letter, tav is the last letter and mem is the middle letter of the Alef -Bet. When one tries to find out the truth between people, there are two sides of a story and somewhere in the middle lies the EMET: TRUTH! Truth is a vital prerequisite in any relationship.
Today, people tend to forget that G-d is with them, while others tend to pray or speak to G-d. Through prayer people can speak to G-d in a very personal way, and they may find a wonderful relationship with HIM. While one prays a relaxing moment or feeling of calm may happen, this focus on G-d brings one closer to Him.
These may seem like dark times, however even during dark times the Maccabees found the spirit to fight against the darkness. It was as if a bright light came to their minds that with G-d’s help they would win a victory against the Greeks. This week Jews around the world will be celebrating Hanukkah and they will kindle their Hanukkiot/menorahs.
May the lights from the candles bring that Ruach:spirit into our life and a better closeness to G-d.
I have written the Maoz Tzur in Hebrew transliteration and English for you to enjoy singing on Hanukkah. We will be singing a few songs on Sunday to really show our RUACH! For those that will not be joining us, enjoy your CELEBRATION of HANUKKAH!
MA-OZ TZUR Y’SHU-A-TEE Rock of ages, let our song
L’cha ns-e l’sha-be-ah Praise Thy saving power;
Ti-kon bet t’fee-la-tee Thou, amidst the raging foes,
V’Sham to-da n’za-be-ah Was our sheltering tower:
L’et ta-chin mat-be-ah Furious they assailed us,
Mee-tzar ha-m’na-be-ah. But Thine arm availed us,
V’az eg-mor b’shir miz-mor And Thy word broke their sword
Ha-nu-kah ha-miz-be-ah. When our own strength failed us.
V’az eg-mor b’shir miz-mor And Thy word broke their sword.
Ha-nu-kah ha-miz-be-ah. When our own strength failed us.
As Always I will be reciting Misherbrot for all that are ill.
I look forward to celebrating on Friday night, Shabbat with…
First Lighting the Hanukkiah, then Kindling the Sabbath candles, followed by the Shabbat Service. Please include the blessings for Hanukkah during your services at home on Saturday and the whole week, too.
Enjoy eating your latkes/potato pancakes, Sufganiyot/ jelly donuts and all your singing:)
Hag Urim/ Happy Festival of Lights/ Happy Hanukkah,
Rabbi Helene and Michael and the whole Ainbinder family to yours!
