Shabbat Shalom from TBE

Shabbat Shalom

from

Temple Beth El

Friday, January 6, 2017 / 8 Tevet, 5777

Parashat Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27

Dear Friends,

For the past few weeks, we have been immersed in the extraordinary biblical narrative of Joseph. He is the favorite son of his father Jacob; we see him grow, mature, and transform from a spoiled, bratty, obnoxious teenager into the second most powerful man in all of Egypt. Four Torah portions and thirteen chapters of the book of Genesis place Joseph at the center. We focus more attention on Joseph than we do on Abraham, Isaac or Jacob.

Yet often lost in this narrative is the role played by arguably the second most important figure-Joseph's brother Judah. He is the one who early on suggests selling their brother into slavery rather than killing him. Judah is the one who this week pleads to save his brother, Benjamin, from a fate similar to that of Joseph many years earlier, of being enslaved in Egypt.

Judah delivers a remarkable speech, the longest single speech in the Book of Genesis. He offers himself in the place of Benjamin. He has come full circle, from being the callous ringleader of his brothers to the one willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his youngest brother.

Coming full circle is his act of teshuva-repentance. This behavior is at the center of Jewish living and is what we endeavor to emulate; distancing ourselves from transgression, drawing near to repentance and renewal.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks has a thoughtful and enlightening d'var Torah this week that more fully explores the lesser known but equally if not more important historical figure of Judah. After all, among many enduring contributions to our history, it is the tribe of Judah from which the name Yehudim-Jews, is derived.

Please enjoy this d'var Torah and make the words of Rabbi Sacks come alive for you.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Charles Briskin

Refuah Sh'leimah

For those recovering from an illness:

Barbara Mozlin

Vivian Rigler

Jack Lebental

Irene Tyson

Elaine Grove

Beth Wahba
Marc Newman
Bunky Victor
Ashley Felsher
David Shneer

To add a name to this list, please contact the TBE Office. We will not add names until we are notified by the family. Thank you.

Upcoming Services

Friday, January 6

4:00 p.m. Half-Pint Havurah Shabbat Program for families with young children (through 2nd grade). Contact Carrie in the TBE Office with questions.

6:30 p.m. Family Shabbat Service

Our fun and lively worship experience, just one-hour long features a Shabbat story and birthday blessings for children under 13.

Saturday, January 7

10:00 a.m. Refuat Ha'nefesh-A Service of Healing for Body, Mind and Soul

Please join us for this special healing service that utilizes a blend of music, poetry, prayer and meditation.

Friday, January 13

7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service with a Torah reading

Tonight we welcome TBE member Cantor Stephen Richards to lead services with Rabbi Briskin. Adam Paul will chant Torah and Rabbi Briskin will offer a sermon. We will also celebrate January birthdays and anniversaries with an aliyah to the Torah.

Saturday, January 14

9:30 a.m. Lay-Led Shabbat Shaharit Service

9:30 a.m. A discussion on a Jewish topic

10:30 a.m. Shabbat morning Torah Service

Noon Potluck kiddush lunch

Friday, January 20

6:30 p.m. Musical Shabbat Service

Featuring The Moody Jews with guest vocalist Josh Goldberg.

Saturday, January 21

10:00 a.m. Meditation Service

We hope to see you soon at Temple Beth El.

Find us on the web at: www.bethelsp.org

Call the office for more information: 310-833-2467
Or drop by for a visit: 1435 W. 7th Street, San Pedro 90732