Parashat Vayeshev (and he dwelt) Genesis 37:1 - 40:23
HafTorah Amos 2: - 3:8
Dear friends,
I would like to begin this week's message by thanking all those who volunteered at the Metropolitan Ministries holiday tent yesterday afternoon. We were able to provide much-needed food, toys, reading materials and other necessities to hundreds of needy families once again. Just as important, we provided HOPE during the winter holiday season for those who have temporarily lost it after the ravages of storms, illnesses, unemployment, and despair entered their lives. Friendly human contact is so important always and especially during the winter holiday period when images of joy and wealth and family togetherness are so prevalent in the media. If you haven't already volunteered, we help out once a month at the Metropolitan Ministries headquarters in Holiday on Route 19 across the highway from the Sun Toyota dealership. Just a couple hours of your time make huge differences in people's lives. If you are unable to volunteer, monetary contributions are very much appreciated. Kudos to our bingo players who have consistently brought in non perishable food to be donated as well.
This Shabbat, we begin the story of Joseph who plays a huge role in our history and occupies the rest of the Book of Bereshit (Genesis).
In this week's 3rd triennial reading (39:1-40:23), Joseph finds himself in Egypt after being sold away in anger by his brothers. After being spoiled as the favorite child of his father Jacob, he becomes an arrogant, egotistical, narcissistic character who some say deserves his fate. And yet his experiences of being sold into servitude away from his family and then spurning the sexual advances made by his master's wife resulting in his imprisonment when she falsely accuses him of rape cause a complete transformation in his character. He develops humility and uses his superior intellect to interpret dreams and solve problems rather than creating them and ultimately, he rises to the highest ranks of responsibility. There are so many lessons imbedded in this Torah portion, but one of the most important is that regardless of previous errors and "false steps" we have made in life, we have the ability to change for the good and use whatever talents we possess to help heal rather than hinder.
For this week's Haftorah, we are introduced to the Prophet Amos (2:6-3:8) whose overarching theme is that of righteousness, both as individual people and collectively as a holy nation. If we are indeed "a chosen people", then it is even more incumbent on us to lead lives of righteous deeds. And as with Joseph, it is never too late to turn our lives around with righteous behavior. I am looking forward to sharing these thoughts with you at our religious services tonight at 7:30 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am both in-person and virtually on Zoom.
And we have big plans for the celebration of Hanukkah! On Sunday, December 29th at 2 pm we will visit the Trinity Place Assisted Living Center at 8684 Old Route 54 in New Port Richey armed once again with song sheets, potato latkes, sufganyot, and other goodies, but mostly armed with friendship and understanding for those elderly who are not able to travel and many of whom have few if any visitors. Then at 6 pm, we gather at the synagogue for our annual Hanukkah dinner and party. Hopefully, all who are planning to attend have signed up as the food must be purchased in advance.
See you in shul!
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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FRIDAY and SATURDAY
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Service, Friday 12/20/2024 7:30 pm and Saturday 12/21/2024 9:30 am
Time: This is a recurring meeting Friday and Saturday
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Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
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