Jewish Joke of the Week: Room 317
A woman calls the hospital switchboard and asks, “Hello, I was wondering if you could tell me how Mrs. Kaplan in room 317 is doing.”
How Long?
Moshe was the emissary of Hashem to approach Pharoah and demand that he release the nation from its bondage. However, when he speaks with him he adds how long will it be until you humble yourself in front of Hashem. That additional message seemingly has no connection to the mandate the he release the people.
This Week in Pictures
Learning launched. Tables filled. Community in motion.
From the start of new classes to the first moments of TJU, and from a gala prize turning into a Shabbat at home, this week captured what it looks like when Jewish life is lived in real time. Scroll through for a few moments worth lingering on.
Jewish Joke of the Week: What Time Is It?
Two men are waiting on a train platform late in the afternoon. One is younger, clearly in a hurry. The other is older, calm, and completely unbothered. The younger man glances at his phone, frowns, then turns to the older man and asks politely, “Excuse me, do you have the time?”
The older man says nothing, staring straight ahead.
What’s It All About
Although Moshe complained to Hashem that the people were suffering terribly under Pharoah’s enslavement, his concern was that the nation was undergoing pain and agony that was too much. He was reprimanded for his protest and Hashem explained to him the process which they were going through. The original covenant, the pact Hashem had made with Avrohom hundreds of years earlier was now to be fulfilled.
Forging The Way
The Torah enumerates the total count of the nation when they arrived in Egypt. Then we are reminded that Yosef was in Egypt. Rashi explains that the Torah is emphasizing that Yosef withstood all the difficulties which the culture presented him with. They were a nation deeply entrenched in immorality. Additionally, we know that the wife of Potiphar went to great lengths to seduce Yosef.
Searching for the Light
After the nation settled in Goshen Yaakov lived out the remainder of his life there. The parsha is written in such a fashion as to indicate that it is disconnected from the previous parsha. Rashi cites the Midrash that this alludes to the lack of perception that befell the people after Yaakov’s death as the encumbrance of the impending exile began to impact them.
The Height of Perfection
After much trial and travail, finally the truth was told and the viceroy of Egypt was none other than Yosef, their long lost brother. They were taken aback by this twist and unable to utter a word due to their incredulity and astonishment. Then Yosef tosses out the elephant in the room and declares that yes I am your brother Yosef whom you sold into slavery.
Be Enlightened
As we near the end of this wonderful Yom Tov of Chanukah what will we take with us? After the last lights go out we will be left in the darkness or can we carry the torch further and embrace our future with brightness?
This Week in Pictures
This week in photos is all about moments that made us smile and wish you were there. From a spirited Women’s Experience cocktail night with hands-on mixology and great company, to a glimpse of our Wednesday night Food for Thought series filled with learning, connection, and delicious dinners, these galleries capture the joy between the moments. Scroll through, soak it in, and consider this your invitation to join us next time. 📸✨