From The Rabbi’s Study, December, 20/21, 2024/19/Kislev 19,20, 5785
This Sabbath the Torah summary will be about Joseph’s dreams causing jealousy among his brothers. Then Joseph is sold to a caravan of Ishmaelites. The story of Judah and Tamar. Joseph rejects Potiphar’s wife. Joseph is then thrown into prison, and interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and chief baker.
During ancient times and even in modern times dreams have tantalized people with their secrets. Today dreams are used to explore the inner parts of the person’s mind. In Joseph’s time frame, however, dreams were thought to be signs from divine powers exposing their intent. The ancient world had professional interpreters throughout Mesopotamia to Egypt. This Torah portion contains six dreams (two by Joseph, two by the prisoners, and two by Pharaoh) lends a little suspense to the story. Joseph attributes his ability to interpret dreams to G-d, the ultimate Interpreter (Genesis 40:8).
Another Judaic value is called Bitachon, Trust. Throughout the Torah from the Patriarchs and Matriarchs to Joseph and other individuals the Jewish concept and value of trust was always an important mitzvah. Throughout the trails of slavery and imprisonment, Joseph never lost his trust in G-d and a better future. Another important Hebrew word is Emunah – faith – because it is related to Emet – Truth. Trust is a vital prerequisite in any close relationship.
A Note… EMET in the Hebrew letters is aleph, mem, and tav. Aleph is the first letter in the Alphabet, mem is found in the middle, and tav is the last letter of the Alphabet. Therefore one is trying to find the Truth from anyone or multiple individuals, one has to hear the beginning, the middle and the ending of the information given.
The Haftarah from Amos, a shepherd, felt the stirring of the spirit of G-d while pursuing his calling amid the Judean hills. Amos was the older contemporary of Hosea and the first of the so-called literary prophets. The master -word of existence to Amos is “righteousness” which to Amos meant holiness of life as an individual. Amos was sent to the Northern Kingdom to point out the wrongdoings of the people, including their inhumanity to one another. Amos says they will be punished.
The Torah and the concluding portion of the Torah section each week is the Haftarah. Both have the connections, and this Sabbath was Righteousness of an individual, humanity’s greatest sin is being inhuman to anyone, and remember that it is G-d judges us according to our actions.
I have been away taking care of my brother, Mitchell Weintraub. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, kind thoughts, and helping the Congregation during my absence.
This Torah portion reflects on righteousness and an individual’s humanity. There are many angels that surround me during these almost three weeks. The kindness from doctors, strangers, and professionals throughout my journey. The care and healing for my brother was amazing. What was most important? The power of your prayers and your unwavering kind support.
Shabbat Shalom v’Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
