Because last week we studied the holiday of Chanukah this week we will combine last week's parashah with this week's. Last week (week of Dec.14) the weekly section was VaYeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) and this week's the section is Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17). Although the two sections both revolve around the life of Yosef (Joseph), they feel very different.
From: Rabbi Peter Tarlow [ptarlow@startel.net]
Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2008 3:10 PM
To: Recipient List Suppressed:
Subject: Texas A&M Hillel's Parashah La'Shavuah, 1 Tevet, 5769
Shavuah Tov vChag Sameach MeHa'Hillel sheKayam lifne sheHayu Batei Hillel.
A Good Week and Happy Last Day of Chanukah from the Hillel that was before there was a Hillel Organization.
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Because last week we studied the holiday of Chanukah this week we will combine last week's parashah with this week's. Last week (week of Dec.14) the weekly section was VaYeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23) and this week's the section is Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17). Although the two sections both revolve around the life of Yosef (Joseph), they feel very different. The first section touches upon a very arrogant Joseph. Joseph is clearly his father's favorite and wearing the "Ktonet Pisim" or (stripped robe, often translated into English as "a coat of many colors"). Joseph's brothers throw him into a pit and eventually sell him into slavery. His brothers clearly hoped to be rid of the arrogant and difficult brother whom their father preferred.
In the second parashah to be studied this week, MiKetz, Joseph has now risen out of slavery to freedom and through both hard work and some luck (or Divine intervention) has become Egypt's second in command. MiKetz is almost the exact opposite of VaYeshev. In the first section we see an arrogant Joseph brought low (literally thrown into a pit). He is a difficult person who is convinced that the world (or at least his world) revolves around him. In the second parashah, we see a Joseph who is high in power and yet humble in his dealings with his brothers.
One concept that connects these two parashiyot is the idea of finding balance in one's life. VaYeshev is about the balance of the modern concept of self-esteem and the classical concept of humility. Classical Judaism emphasized the idea of a person being humble and even a bit self-effacing. Modern society preaches self-esteem, positive thinking and making clear that the world notices us. The leitmotif of this parashah may then well be how to we balance a sense of humility with the need for self=promotion if we are to get ahead?
In a like manner, the second parashah is also about balance. Joseph could have taken revenge out on his brothers who now stand humbled before him. Instead he chooses to see all of the events that brought him to his position of high power as being directed by G'd. Rabbinic thought however emphasizes the idea of free will, that we do not depend on a master plan but rather that it is for us to shape the events of our life.
Once again the issue becomes one of balance, How do manage to see G'd's involvement in the world and also our humility and at the same time maintain our own sense of control and self-esteem? Do these two sections merge in the same way that the two Chanukah tales merge? Is the real miracle of Chanukah not that the oil lasted for eight days, but rather that our forbearers found the way to balance the divine with the mundane, a sense of humility with a sense of self worth? May the light of Chanukah shine for each of you throughout the year.
Shabbat services continue at 8:00pm throughout the break.
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TAMU Hillel stands with the people of Israel and they work to bring peace and security to the Negev.
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Sefardic Jews:
If you are interested in Sephardic culture, the below website is worthwhile. In it you will find a number of articles written in English and Portuguese on the new scientific findings proving through chromosome technology that at least 20% of the present population of Spain and Portugal is of Jewish origin. The site also contains some examples of Sephardic music sung in Ladino with Hebrew and Arabic translations.
The URL is: http://www.ladina.blogspot.com/
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Here's a great Chanukah gift and way to help Israel at the same time:
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L'Biddurchem/The Humor Page
When the end of the world arrives how will the media report it?
USA Today: WE'RE DEAD
The Wall Street Journal: DOW JONES PLUMMETS AS WORLD ENDS
National Enquirer: O.J. AND NICOLE, TOGETHER AGAIN
Playboy: GIRLS OF THE APOCALYPSE
Microsoft Systems Journal: APPLE LOSES MARKET SHARE
Victoria's Secret Catalog: OUR FINAL SALE
Sports Illustrated: GAME OVER
Wired: THE LAST NEW THING
Rolling Stone: THE GRATEFUL DEAD REUNION TOUR
Readers Digest: 'BYE
Discover Magazine: HOW WILL THE EXTINCTION OF ALL LIFE AS WE KNOW IT
AFFECT THE WAY WE VIEW THE COSMOS?
TV Guide: DEATH AND DAMNATION: NIELSON RATINGS SOAR!
Lady's Home Journal: LOSE 10 LBS BY JUDGEMENT DAY WITH OUR NEW
"ARMAGEDDON" DIET!
America Online: SYSTEM TEMPORARILY DOWN. TRY CALLING BACK IN
15 MINUTES.
Inc. magazine: TEN WAYS YOU CAN PROFIT FROM THE APOCALYPSE
TIME magazine: RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION FOR ETERNITY
Jewish Journal: NU, SO WE'VE HAD WORSE PROBLEMS
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B'shalom u-vrachah,
In peace and blessings,
Rabbi Peter Tarlow
(979) 764-8402 (home)
(979) 696-7313 (office)