Kislev 26, 5784 / December 8-9, 2023
Parashat Vayeishev
Torah: Genesis 37:1 – 40:23
Maftir: Numbers 7:18-23
Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7
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Reb Jason is away this Shabbat to observe shivah for his brother Aaron Van Leeuwen, z'l. In his absence, I'll be conducting services this Shabbat. We extend our condolences to Reb Jason and his family on the passing of his brother. Y'hi zikhro barukh.
This d’var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for all who have been wounded in the terrorist attacks and in fighting against the terrorists, as well as innocent non-combatants caught in the crossfire.
This d'var torah is offered in memory of all the victims of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah. Y’hi zikhronam liv’rakhah – May their memories be a blessing. And may the memory of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah and all their supporters be forever erased.
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Lunch and Learn meets Mondays at 12:30 PM on Zoom and Facebook Live. On Monday, December 11, we'll be at BT Shabbat 119a, page 192 of Ein Ya'akov (Glick edition) Volume 1 – "..רב ששת בקיטא" - "R. Shesheth, in the summer....”
Ein Ya'akov (Glick edition) is available for on-line reading or as a downloadable PDF at:
A pointed Hebrew text version with different pagination is available at Sefaria:
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Check out our wonderful community, and get lots of info about our various programs and becoming a Member at: https://bnaihayim.org/
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Rabbi Van Leeuwen has a blog which you should read at:
Dr. Steve Pearlman writes up the "Midrashim of the Week", which you should read at:
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Please feel free to pass this on to a friend, and please cite the source.
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THE SECRET?
"And Judah said to his brothers, "What
advantage is there if we slay our brother and conceal his blood?" Genesis
37:26
A traditional understanding of this verse is that
Judah sees an opportunity to get rid of Joseph and profit at the same time
(while saving his life). That is why the brothers ultimately decide
to sell Joseph into slavery. But Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Kotzk has a very
different take on the verse.
The Kotzker focuses not on the profit motive,
but on the idea of hiding the deed. He says, "If we are forced to conceal
the matter and to keep it secret, that is a sign that it is wrong. Every
secret is like a type of theft."
Jacob Sees Joseph's Coat (painting circa 1816–1817 by Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow)
In the Kotzker's view, Judah is saying there is
no benefit whatsoever in eliminating Joseph, since it will be a guilty secret
among the brothers forever. Indeed, we see later in the Torah that the brothers
become wracked with guilt and recrimination when they are confronted by the
vizier of Egypt (the disguised Joseph), who seems omniscient in his penetrating
questions and demands of them.
My father, z’tz'l, whose name also was Menachem Mendel,
taught me a very simple lesson on the issue. "Don't ever say or do
anything that you would not want on the front page of the newspaper."
There's no such thing as a secret.
Shabbat Shalom! Chag Urim Sameach!
Rabbi Richard A. Flom
Rabbi Emeritus, Temple B’nai Hayim/Congregation Beth Meier
הַלּוֹמֵד מִכָּל אָדָם ?אֵיזֶהוּ חָכָם
Who is wise? The one who learns from every person.
Ben Zoma - Pirkei Avot 4:1
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