GET WISE!

Parashat Miketz
27 Kislev 5774 / 29-30 November 2013
Torah: Genesis 41:1 - 44:17
Maftir: Numbers 7:24-29 (Hanukkah Day 3)
Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7 (Shabbat Hanukkah)

For a complete Calendar of Events, as well as lots of other information on our community, check out our web site at: http://bethmeier.org/ 

Please feel free to pass this on to a friend, and please cite the source.
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Get Wise!

‘And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I dreamt a dream and there is no interpretation for it, but I have heard it said of you that for you to hear a dream is to interpret it.” And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “Not I! God will answer regarding Pharaoh’s welfare.”’ Genesis 41:15-16

Joseph is a slave and a prisoner, who has suffered at the hands of his brothers, Midianites, Ishmaelites and Egyptians for many years. This is his big opportunity to gain his freedom, by impressing Pharaoh with his wisdom. Yet, he tells Pharaoh that the interpretation of the dream will come from God. In last week’s parashah as well, Joseph did not claim the mantle of prophet or wise man. (“Do not interpretations belong to God?” 40:8) It seems that God is always on his mind. (“How then can I do this great evil and sin against God?” 39:9) Also see 41:25, 28 and 32.

What is going on with Joseph? Consider Job 28:12 (Job was another who suffered greatly) - “And wisdom, where (mei’ayin) will it be found? For is this  (v’ei zeh) the place of understanding?” The answer lies buried within the same verse, for “mei’ayin” and “ei zeh” each has two different meanings, so that the verse may also be read - “And wisdom, from nothingness (mei’ayin) will it be found. And what (v’ei zeh) a place of understanding!”

Pharaoh asks, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the spirit of God?” and tells Joseph, “As God has shown you all this, there is none as discerning and wise as you.” Joseph’s humility and refusal to despair, even in the nothingness of jail, ultimately save him and bring him to greatness. It is through his trust in God that he saves his family (and not incidentally, Egypt) and thereby saves the Jewish people.

“The beginning of wisdom is to hold God in awe.” Psalms 111.10; Proverbs 9:10. I pray that we follow the model of Joseph, and get wise.

Shabbat Shalom, Chag Urim Sameach and Happy Thanksgiving!

Rabbi Richard A. Flom
Congregation Beth Meier
Studio City, CA
http://www.bethmeier.org
Visit me on Facebook

"For the sake of Zion I will not be silent; for the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still."  Isaiah 62:1
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Candlelighting: 4:25 pm. Light Hanukkah menorah first, then Shabbat candles.

Friday: Beth Meier office closed. Shabbat Evening Service – 6:30 pm. NOTE EARLY START! Come on down for a joyful way to bring in Shabbat! Oneg Shabbat follows.
Saturday: Shabbat Morning Service – 10:00 am. Kiddush lunch follows.
Sunday: NO Religious School. NO Adult Hebrew Class.
Tuesday: Lunch and Learn – noon.
Wednesday: Eighth Night of Hanukkah – come to Beth Meier for latkes, sufganiyot, dreidels and songs to say goodbye to Hanukkah! – 6:30 pm. No cost, but please RSVP to CBM office. (Re)Introduction to Judaism class – 7:30 pm.

This d'var torah is offered in honor of my sister, Lorrie Flom Goodman, whose birthday is Friday. Yom huledet sameach! Ad meah v’esrim!

This d'var torah is offered in honor of my son, Robert Flom, whose birthday is Sunday. Yom huledet sameach! Ad meah v’esrim!

This d'var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for Blimah Reizel bat Rachel, Boaz ben Dina, Dov Nechemya Hakohen ben Rachel Chaya Sarah, Miriam Minya bat Alisa Batya, Eve Beatty, Howard Ehrlich, Joshua Erenmark, Jerry Forman, Pamela Huddleston, Rose Jordan, Lizzie Legnine, Gloria Loera, Frank Marcovitz, Barney Meskin, Colleen Pierce (Chaya Shoshanah bat Sarah Emanu), Phil Raider and Rachel Robbins.

Please let me know if there is anyone you would like to add to this list or if there is anyone who may be removed from this list.

My weekly divrei torah are also available by e-mail from the Cyber Torah list.
Cyber Torah list management (no salesman will call!):
To subscribe to Cyber Torah, send an e-mail with the subject heading “Subscribe Cyber Torah” to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net
Send requests for dedications of Cyber Torah in honor of a simchah, in memory of a loved one or for a refuah shleimah to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net
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SLAVE OR PRINCE?

Torah: Genesis 37:1 - 40:23
Haftarah: Amos 2:6 - 3:8
20 Kislev 5774 / 22-23 November 2013

For a complete Calendar of Events, as well as lots of other information on our community, check out our web site at: http://bethmeier.org/ 

Please feel free to pass this on to a friend, and please cite the source.
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Slave or Prince?

"And it came to pass after these things that the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker had sinned against their master, the king of Egypt . Pharaoh was angry at his two princes - the prefect of the cupbearers and the prefect of the bakers." Genesis 40:1-2

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch says that the reference to the two courtiers as "princes" is mockery. To those who served beneath them, they were "princes", wielding great power; but to the king, they were nothing more than slaves with fancy titles. He threw them into prison for no apparent reason. The cupbearer and baker failed to understand that, when one's position is dependent solely upon the whim of one's superior, one's position is, at best, precarious.

So it is all too often with people who attain positions of power granted by another. They clothe themselves in self-importance. The opinions of those who work for them are irrelevant. These "princes" believe that direct contact with the king somehow makes them as powerful as the king.

The most desirable community, it seems to me, is one where every member, whether leader or not, fully understands that they are serving a higher purpose; where there is no self-aggrandizement, no delusion of grandeur interfering with their dedication and perseverance. Fortunate is that community whose leaders understand that they are NOT royalty. Equally fortunate are the leaders and workers who serve that community which does not treat them like slaves. (I am thankful to be a member of THAT community! J ) May it be thus for all of us.

Shabbat Shalom, Chag Urim Sameach and Happy Thanksgiving!

Rabbi Richard A. Flom
Congregation Beth Meier
Studio City, CA
http://www.bethmeier.org
Visit me on Facebook

"For the sake of Zion I will not be silent; for the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still."  Isaiah 62:1
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Candlelighting: 4:27 pm

Friday: Shabbat Evening Service – 8:00 pm. Come on down for a joyful way to bring in Shabbat! Oneg Shabbat follows.
Saturday: Shabbat Morning Service – 10:00 am. Kiddush lunch follows.
Sunday:  Religious School – 9:30 am. Adult Hebrew Class – 10:00 am.
Tuesday: Lunch and Learn – noon.
Wednesday: First Night of Hanukkah – light your menorah after sundown. NO (Re)Introduction to Judaism class.
Thursday, 11/28: Happy Thanksgiving! Beth Meier office closed.
Friday, 11/29: Beth Meier office closed. Shabbat evening service – 6:30 pm. NOTE early service time.
Saturday, 11/30: Shabbat Morning Service – 10:00 am.
Sunday, 12/1: NO Religious School ; NO Adult Hebrew Class.

This d'var torah is offered in memory of my uncle, David Flom, whose yahrzeit falls on Sunday. Y'hi zikhro liv'rakhah - May his memory be a blessing.

This d'var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for Boaz ben Dina, Dov Nechemya Hakohen ben Rachel Chaya Sarah, Miriam Minya bat Alisa Batya, Eve Beatty, Howard Ehrlich, Joshua Erenmark, Jerry Forman, Pamela Huddleston, Rose Jordan, Lizzie Legnine, Gloria Loera, Frank Marcovitz, Barney Meskin, Colleen Pierce (Chaya Shoshanah bat Sarah Emanu), Phil Raider and Rachel Robbins.

Please let me know if there is anyone you would like to add to this list or if there is anyone who may be removed from this list.

My weekly divrei torah are also available by e-mail from the Cyber Torah list.
Cyber Torah list management (no salesman will call!):
To subscribe to Cyber Torah, send an e-mail with the subject heading “Subscribe Cyber Torah” to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net
Send requests for dedications of Cyber Torah in honor of a simchah, in memory of a loved one or for a refuah shleimah to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net
To unsubscribe from Cyber Torah, send an e-mail with the subject heading “Unsubscribe Cyber Torah” to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

Parashat Vayishlach - 13 Kislev 5774 / 15-16 November 2013
Torah: Genesis 32:4 – 36:43
Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-21

For a complete Calendar of Events, as well as lots of other information on our community, check out our web site at: http://bethmeier.org/

Please feel free to pass this on to a friend, and please cite the source.
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How Much Is Enough?

"Esau said, ‘I have a lot; my brother, let what is yours be yours.’ And Jacob said, ‘… Please take my present that I have brought to you, for God has favored me, and I have everything.’ And he urged him, and he took." Genesis 33:9-11

In his commentary "Kli Yakar", R. Shlomo Ephraim Lunshitz (d. 1619) wonders about this exchange between the brothers. Esau has "a lot" – he is wealthy and powerful. Jacob offers him a gift, saying that he has "everything". Esau accepts, and does not reciprocate. Kli Yakar says that one who says he has "everything" means "what I have is enough for me. I am satisfied with my lot." But one who merely says, "I have a lot" always wants more.

I am certain that virtually everyone reading this e-mail has "a lot". Perhaps we are not wealthy and powerful in the way that Esau was, but we have food, clothing, shelter, modern conveniences, toys of various sorts, etc. How many of us are prepared, like Jacob, to say we have "everything"? Why aren’t we satisfied? Why do we want more? I believe it is because we are unable, or more likely, unwilling, to say, "God has favored me." Without acknowledging that higher source, without opening up our spiritual side to be satisfied with that which God has given us, we will always have "a lot", but never "enough" – let alone “everything”.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Richard A. Flom
Congregation Beth Meier
Studio City, CA
http://www.bethmeier.org

Visit me on Facebook

"For the sake of Zion I will not be silent; for the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still."  Isaiah 62:1
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This d'var torah is offered in memory of my uncle, Daniel Flom, whose yahrzeit falls on Sunday.  Y'hi zikhro liv'rakhah - May his memory be a blessing.

This d'var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for Boaz ben Dina, Dov Nechemya Hakohen ben Rachel Chaya Sarah, Miriam Minya bat Alisa Batya, Eve Beatty, Howard Ehrlich, Joshua Erenmark, Jerry Forman, Pamela Huddleston, Rose Jordan, Lizzie Legnine, Gloria Loera, Frank Marcovitz, Barney Meskin, Marsha Meyers, Colleen Pierce (Chaya Shoshanah bat Sarah Emanu), Phil Raider, Gil Robbins, and Rachel Robbins.

Please let me know if there is anyone you would like to add to this list or if there is anyone who may be removed from this list.

My weekly divrei torah are also available by e-mail from the Cyber Torah list.
Cyber Torah list management (no salesman will call!):
To subscribe to Cyber Torah, send an e-mail with the subject heading “Subscribe Cyber Torah” to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net
Send requests for dedications of Cyber Torah in honor of a simchah, in memory of a loved one or for a refuah shleimah to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net
To unsubscribe from Cyber Torah, send an e-mail with the subject heading “Unsubscribe Cyber Torah” to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net

WORDS AS A MATTER OF FATE

Parashat Vayetse
6 Kislev 5774 / 8-9 November 2013
Torah: Genesis 28:10 – 32:3
Haftarah: Hosea 12:13 – 14:10 (Ashkenazim); Hosea 11:7 – 12:12 (Sephardim)

For a complete Calendar of Events, as well as lots of other information on our community, check out our web site at: http://bethmeier.org/

Please feel free to pass this on to a friend, and please cite the source.

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Words As A Matter Of Fate

"Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was of comely form and comely appearance." Genesis 29:17

Rashi - For Leah believed that she was fated to marry Esau (who was not a nice person), and she cried; for all said, "Rebecca has two sons and Laban has two daughters - the elder to the elder and the younger to the younger."

The Kotzker Rebbe, Menachem Mendel, wonders why Leah cared what people said, since the custom is that the woman must consent to the marriage. She could not have been forced to marry Esau. Nevertheless, he says, we learn that one is unable to reject or ignore what the world says, but is concerned. So when everyone "said", Leah cried.

Words often take on a power of their own. If we say something enough times, we come to believe it is true. If we say often enough that some event is fated to occur, we may subconsciously cause it to come about, lest we be proven wrong. And the person about whom we speak comes to fear that as well. Words can be the cause of undesired effects. Shamor et halashon! Guard that tongue!

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Richard A. Flom
Congregation Beth Meier
Studio City, CA
http://www.bethmeier.org
Visit me on Facebook

"For the sake of Zion I will not be silent; for the sake of Jerusalem I will not be still."  Isaiah 62:1

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This d’var torah is offered in memory of Meta Katz, sister of Gail Neiman, who passed away this week. Y’hi zekherah liv’rakhah.

This d’var torah is offered in memory of Anita Woolf, mother of Lou Woolf, who passed away this morning.

 

This d'var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for Boaz ben Dina, Dov Nechemya Hakohen ben Rachel Chaya Sarah, Miriam Minya bat Alisa Batya, Eve Beatty, Howard Ehrlich, Joshua Erenmark, Jerry Forman, Pamela Huddleston, Rose Jordan, Lizzie Legnine, Gloria Loera, Frank Marcovitz, Barney Meskin, Marsha Meyers, Colleen Pierce (Chaya Shoshanah bat Sarah Emanu), Phil Raider, Gil Robbins, and Rachel Robbins.

My weekly divrei torah are also available by e-mail from the Cyber Torah list. 

Cyber Torah list management (no salesman will call!):
To subscribe to Cyber Torah, send an e-mail with the subject heading “Subscribe Cyber Torah” to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net
Send requests for dedications of Cyber Torah in honor of a simchah, in memory of a loved one or for a refuah shleimah to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net
To unsubscribe from Cyber Torah, send an e-mail with the subject heading “Unsubscribe Cyber Torah” to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net