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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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. 📸✨
This week in pictures is all about color, creativity, and community ✨
From little artists painting their way into Chanukah with Family Experience, to raising a rainbow glass in gratitude with our incredible Challah Bake committee, these moments capture what happens when people show up with heart. Joyful scenes, meaningful connections, and a whole lot of love.
Chanukah is right around the corner and perhaps we need to somewhat meditate and consider what Chanukah is all about, how we should approach this wonderful Yom Tov and explore what it is that we anticipate to gain. As we know after the small Hasmonean army defeated the powerful Greeks, they began to search for oil to light the Menorah.
Yaakov is poised to encounter his nemesis, Eisav and the anticipated encounter may be volatile. He davens to Hashem, prepares for battle and sends a large gift to his brother attempting to assuage his anger. In his prayer Yaakov mentions that with his staff he crossed the Jordan River.