December 14, 2007

Parashat Vayigash 5768

This week's Torah portion, Vayigash, tells the remarkable tale of Joseph's older brother Judah. A story of change.

Tale One:
In Genesis 37, we learn that it was young Judah, who, in an act that I would label as "not quite evil," convinces his brothers not to kill their arrogant younger brother Joseph, but to sell him to the Ishmaelites as a slave. On the one hand, one might suggest that this is an act of kindness on Judah's part (after all, he did save his brother's life). On the other hand, you have to wonder about a man who is aware enough to know that it is wrong to kill his brother, but not motivated enough to ensure his freedom.

Tale Two:
We next encounter Judah "encountering" his daughter-in-law. We learn that Judah's oldest son dies and leaves his wife Tamar as a widow. Judah's second son then marries Tamar, but this son purposefully does not impregnate her, and he dies too. And so, Judah stalls and does not give Tamar his third son in marriage. This stalling leaves Tamar powerless in a society in which women needed marriage and sons for social security. So, Tamar dresses as a temple prostitute and Judah, not knowing who she is, lies with her. Judah leaves Tamar with his seal, cord, and staff as payment. When Judah hears that Tamar is pregnant, he calls for her to be burned. When Tamar presents Judah with his "payment," Judah sees that he is the father. Judah declares, "She is more in the right than I" (Genesis 38:26).

Tale Three:
Finally, in this week's parashah, we learn vayigash, that Judah "encounters," Joseph once again. Just as Judah did not recognize Tamar when he "encountered" her, Judah does not recognize Joseph when he encounters him (he thinks Joseph is an Egyptian official who is holding his youngest brother Benjamin "hostage"). Instead of thinking only of himself, Judah advocates for the Egyptian official to release his brother Benjamin and send him home to his father (take me instead, Judah says the disguised Joseph). Overcome by Judah's growth and the deep love he shows for Benjamin, Joseph reveals his true identity to Judah.

The Point:
Through Judah, we are reminded that life seldom offers us clear options. We make mistakes that have real consequences in others' lives. But, we also learn that Judah grows and changes. Judah comes to a place of true heart-filled empathy. With this potential for growth and change as a model, how can any one of us doubt our own capability to engage in further journeying?

For further reflection:
What journeying do you still have left to do?

December 3, 2007

Chanukah 5768

"Chanukah" means rededication.

How remarkable that each Kislev, at the darkest time of the year, the Jewish people rededicate ourselves to bringing light into the world. For eight nights, we stop and focus on lighting one match. Each night, this single match sets off a chain reaction. Slowly, slowly, we add one candle until our chanukiot are fully aflame with our kavanot, our intentions.

Chanukah is not only about kindling physical flames in our homes, but also about igniting a spiritual light within ourselves.

And so I pray...

May you ignite within your soul a light of justice.
May you ignite within your soul a light of peace.
May you ignite within your soul a light of power.
May you ignite within your soul a light of compassion.
May you ignite within your soul a light of purpose.
May you ignite within your soul a light of joy.
May you ignite within your soul a light of meaning.
May you ignite within your soul a light of gratitude.