"Parashat Beshelach" 5780

This week’s Torah portion is “Vayechi”—“And he lived”. As we come to the end of the book of Genesis, the beginning, Jacob is blessing his sons before he dies. He also adopts Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his sons as well. It is interesting that the Torah invests if not a whole portion at least a couple of chapters to talk about sons whose tribes have been lost to antiquity. Since presumably the Torah was put together by sages many years after the ten tribes of the northern Kingdom of Joseph were conquered and dispersed throughout the rest of the known world, does it make sense to mention those blessings? Or does the fact that the Messianic era promises the return of the ten tribes to the family of K’lal Yisroel demand acknowledgement? Parenthetically, by the way, there was some attention recently given to the return of alleged members of the tribe of Ephraim to Israel. Their validity could still be a work in progress. Some, however, accept their claims as fact and see this as the beginning of that Messianic Era. Could it be that besides the obvious proclamation of the blessings for the sons, there is yet another message here for us spiritually? After all, the name of the parashat is “And he lived”, so perhaps besides being blessings for the sons who became the progenitors of the tribes with similar characteristics, this is advice for us today as well. Just as Esau and Jacob came from the same parents and exhibited completely different personality traits, so too did the twelve sons and two grandsons come from half of the same gene pool. While there were four mothers (or five when you include Asenath, Joseph’s wife) at least half of their essence came from Jacob. And just as Esau and Jacob represented two parts of our life force (bad and good forces, respectively), perhaps these sons represented 14 different aspects of who we are as a people and even as individuals. As the ten tribes (nine-and-a-half, really) did not maintain the principles of Judaism and were thus lost, perhaps mention of these traits should serve as a warning to us today, a list of how to behave. Let’s look at some of these characteristics, then, and see how they may relate to who we are as a people. Let’s start with the tribes that survived: Judah, Levi, and Benjamin. Part of Benjamin’s tribal area was in the south and adjacent to Judah’s territory. Consider the Megillah of Esther. This took place in Babylonia during the period between the two Temples, after the destruction of the first and before King Cyrus allowed the Jews to build the second. One of the main characters of the story was Mordechai, who was from the tribe of Benjamin. Some of us may actually be Benjaminites, then. “Judah is the lion’s whelp…the scepter shall not depart from Judah”. Judah is the main tribe that survived and hence that our religion is called “Judaism” and we are known as Jews. Many sages have stated that our mission in life is “Tikkun Olam”, repair of the world. Our culture is based on helping the poor and weak of society, even caring for the dead who can not do anything for themselves nor return our kindness. We thus take the lead is showing the world mercy and justice, just as a king governs his people to serve them in the highest manner (at least theoretically). “Simeon and Levi…cursed be their anger”. We have been called a stiff-necked people. After G-d showed us Himself and care for us out in the desert, we still resorted to idolatry and challenged our leaders. Even today, some of the infighting that goes on within us about how we feel about the State of Israel and other political matters shows us that not much has changed. Maybe even now more than ever we need to heed these words and while we can agree to disagree, we need to get along. “Benjamin is a wolf that raveneth”. Some will call it miraculous that Israel has been able to fend off many attacks and invasions into the country. Similarly, we have survived 1800 years of persecution that culminated in the wholesale slaughter of the Holocaust. And as antisemitism has increased in recent years, we are now called to action to take steps to defend ourselves from lobbying governments to learning self-defense. Consider the characteristics of some of the other tribes. “Reuben, the excellency of power…unstable as water”. Think before you act. “Dan shall judge his people…[and] be a serpent on the path”. Defend yourself, yes, but don’t attack without provocation. “Gad, a troop shall troop upon him but he shall troop upon their heel.” As above like Dan. Be prepared. “Asher, his bread (“food”) shall be fat and he shall yield royal dainties”. Be productive. (English translation from the Soncino ed. of the Chumash). As a perhaps quick summary, control your passions and focus on the good things in life; strive for excellence and defend yourselves, but don’t go to extremes. And act appropriately to the situation. Consider also that these blessings, this advice, comes as a prelude to the written Torah being formally given to Moshe Rabbeinu on Mt. Sinai. Perhaps these blessings were the precursor of what was yet to come. #FridayNightSermon #AdvicefromJacob #Jacobblesseshissons

Parashat Vayechi 5780 #ParashatVayechi5780 #פרשתויחי #DvarTorah #TorahCommentary

Parashat Vayigosh 5780 If the link above doesn't work either here or on the mobile app, use this link: https://youtu.be/adOjD-IrYOs #ParashatVayigash5780 #DvarTorah

An interesting article about the Jewish community here in Lake Elsinore after World War II. There were two synagogues here. I had also heard that these were Holocaust survivors. Once-busy Jewish cemetery in Lake Elsinore rarely used If the above hyperlink doesn't work may not on the mobile app), use this link: https://www.pe.com/2016/08/28/once-busy-jewish-cemetery-in-lake-elsinore-rarely-used/ #JewishLakeElsinore #JewishHistoryinLakeElsinore

Hanukkah and Mincha with Malkha Visiting Malkha and her daughter for weekday Mincha and singing Hanukkah songs on the last day of Hanukkah. If the above hyperlinks don't work on the mobile app or here, use these links: https://www.facebook.com/tes.kempner/videos/10157038034937914/?t=0 or https://youtu.be/Ykrtv2ogLYk

Sermon This week’s Torah portion is “Miketz”. It typically falls not only during the eight days of Hanukkah, but also during Rosh Hodesh, the new month of Tevet. So we have three themes that complement each other. In the portion of “Miketz”, Joseph is let out of prison to interpret the Pharaoh’s dreams. He assesses that Egypt is on the verge of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He also tells Pharaoh that the dream also has the solution to the famine and that Pharaoh should save a portion of this seven-year bumper crop to provide food during the famine. When Pharaoh complements and congratulates Joseph on his astuteness in interpreting what his magicians and wise men can’t, Joseph credits G-d as providing the answers through him. Pharaoh then sets up Joseph as the second-in-command to Pharaoh to arrange and organize for the coming famine. We also have the sixth day of Hanukkah during this Shabbat and this Torah portion. Hanukkah remembers how the Seleucids have invaded and taken over Judea. The Maccabees of the Hasmonean family of priests wage a guerilla war that expels the Seleucids. Unfortunately, the Seleucids in their wake have desecrated the Temple and ruined the pure olive oil used for the Menorah. The supply of oil for one day miraculously lasts for the eight days it takes to press new oil. Finally, this Shabbat also rings in the new month of Tevet. A new month is a new beginning. A new month is a new chance of opportunities. During the eight days of Hanukkah, we add a special prayer during the prayer of “Modim anachnu lach”, “we gratefully thank you…for the miracles that you wrought daily”. During Hanukkah, we insert a prayer acknowledging the Maccabees: the few defeated the many, the weak defeated the strong, and the righteous overcame the evildoers. This was a miracle unto itself. Joseph, too, was weak among the strong. He was a stranger in a strange land of people who despised outsiders. Yet here this stranger with completely different customs, a man who worshipped the one G-d, found an exulted place and status among pagans. As Jews we thrice daily thank Hashem, for it is Hashem that oversees us and sustains our success. This is so evident among us Jews that it is almost superfluous to acknowledge. Yet it’s something we really need to do. Some will say that one reason that G-d gives us challenges is so that we will turn to him in time of trouble. The trick is also to remember G-d’s beneficence during the good times as well. One of the reasons we study Torah and acknowledge Hanukkah and the Maccabees is to remind us to do that. Both Joseph and the Maccabees overcame through the faith, belief, and more important, their connection to Hashem. Consider that they both acted knowing that G-d was with them and that they would prevail. We look to these incidents for guidance and inspiration. We may not be trying to get out of prison or fending off pagan invaders, but we face challenges in our lives. It’s important to understand who’s monitoring. Our inspiration this week comes from our ancestors overcoming those stronger than themselves. In the case of the Maccabees, this small group took on the Seleucids, a more numerous and powerful fighting force. Joseph, on the other hand, was a stranger in a strange land who prevailed as a leader and saved these people from starvation. Both had trust and confidence in Hashem. The Hasmoneans were fighting for what was just and right, the teachings and heritage of the one, true G-d. Joseph, too, knew that all his prosperity, and his challenges as well, were from and because of the one, true G-d. The Hasmoneans re-dedicated the Temple and Joseph acted—without necessarily publicly acknowledging—with the support of Hashem. So when Joseph met his brothers once again, he approached the situation in a very evolved and enlightened way. Rather than give in to his resentment and anger, he chose a higher path. He acted like the sage he had become, understanding that his exulted position as the viceroy gave him a power and control that also, he felt, demanded statesmanship and wisdom. Joseph saw the higher purpose, that G-d had arranged his life so that he could serve Him and the peoples in the highest capacity: providing for their survival. It is in that vein that Joseph interacted with his brothers, seeing their repentance and their desire to save their brother Benjamin and honor their father. Out of adversity, Joseph had matured. Likewise, the Maccabees saw a higher purpose. They put their lives at stake, fought against tough odds in order to preserve the glory of Hashem. They knew what was right. Let us use their actions as our inspiration. Let us honor our ancestors and their effort by emulating their actions. As we go through life, and this is not easy, when we face challenges, let us see the big picture. Let us see what we learn from a current, trying situation, let us choose the higher path, and let us prevail in our lives as well, personally, spiritually, emotionally and religiously. May you all continue to bring our heritage into your lives and prosper. If the above hyperlink doesn't work may not on the mobile app), use this link: https://youtu.be/m1MaF2nWL9c

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Parashat Miketz 5780 #ParashatMiketz5780 #DvarTorah #TorahCommentary

Sermon: "Avoiding Evil Things" In our morning prayers, we ask Hashem to accustom us to study His Torah and attach ourselves to his commandments. The word “religion” comes from the Latin root “to adhere”. We ask G-d to NOT bring us into the power of error, the power or transgression and sin. We ask Hashem to keep us far from the Evil Inclination and to distance us from an evil person. We also ask Him to attach us to the Good Inclination. This week’s portion of the Torah, “Vayeshev”, shows us how Joseph faced a similar dilemma. Joseph is Jacob’s favorite son, a reminder of his favorite wife who had just recently died. While Joseph’s brothers are out in the pastures working the family business, Joseph is home studying Torah with his father. Joseph’s brothers are jealous. It doesn’t help that Joseph now has a special coat of nobility and has dreams that his family bows down to him. Joseph’s brothers then kidnap him and sell him off to traders. Joseph ends up in the court of one of the Pharaoh’s ministers managing his household. Joseph then has to avoid the seduction of the minister’s wife. Because of her subsequent accusations, Joseph ends up in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. So what good did it do for him to stay away from an evil companion when the evil companion came after him? There’s more to the story. Later on, Joseph impresses the Pharaoh with his interpretation of the latter’s dreams. He ends up saving the area from starvation through famine and ends up the viceroy of the court of Egypt. He is married with two sons. These sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, live in the midst of pagans, yet they remain faithful to their father’s heritage. They mingle little with their fellow citizens and adhere to a life of morality and ethics. While no one is perfect, for the most part, our ancestors showed us how to behave amid depravity. Joseph goes on to save the known civilized world from famine and each Erev Shabbat we bless our sons that they be like Ephraim and Manasseh who maintained their integrity while interacting with that society. Most of what we know about Joseph’s behavior is speculation and Midrash. Ephraim and Manasseh were born of an Egyptian princess who supposedly adopted Joseph’s code of morals and behavior, ie Torah. Hence how the two sons had a high level of morality. Consider as well that Joseph was living in Egypt and governing under an Egyptian moniker. Here, then, he ended up staying away from an evil companion and staying with a good companion. What happens when we associate with an evil companion? We start to adopt their point of view and take on and sanction their behavior. Evil can be strong and tempting. Probably the first thoughts that come to mind is the peer pressure that kids feel in their developmental years. There always seem to be one or two leaders of the pack, depending on the size of the pack, who exerts the influence. The rest of the crowd goes along to be accepted and feel “cool”. This explains bullying. Bullies do not harass anyone stronger than them; it’s always someone weaker. How do you explain the fact that no one in the group confronts the leader that this is a weaker person, not fair and perhaps better challenges await? Being part of the group is more important than any personal integrity. This is what happens when you don’t stay far from the evil inclination or an evil companion. You get sucked in. What makes evil so attractive? Consider Joseph in this week’s portion. He was barely a 20-something discovering his sexuality. Like almost all people in the world, he had an ego to protect. Compound this with him being in a foreign land with a different culture. His ego was vulnerable to a boost. Along comes a woman, older and probably very attractive since she was royalty, who is attracted to young Joseph. She probably had esteem issues of her own, being married to an important prince in the royal court who was busy with his duties and not around much. She wanted to feel attractive, desired and probably powerful as well. Joseph wavered. We see this as part of the Torah cantillations. There is a special cantillation, found only four times in the Torah, that is long and wavering. The Massoretes (who arranged the Torah 2000 years ago in its format) placed “shelshelet” there to emphasize that Joseph, himself, was wavering. Should he keep far from an evil companion or give in to the temptation of his ego? A classic example of the struggle between the good and evil inclinations. So, yes, Joseph did get into trouble and ended up spending eleven (11) years in prison. But imagine his punishment if he had succumbed. And look at his reward for staying away from an evil companion. He was second-in-charge of the most powerful culture in the civilized world and was very well-to-do. A very important lesson about keeping far from an evil companion. #AvoidingEvilThings

Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah 2019 will begin in the evening of Sunday, December 22 and ends in the evening of Monday, December 30. The candles are placed in the menorah from right to left (just as Hebrew is written from right to left), but are lit from left to right. The shammash candle is always the first one lit, and is used to light the others, starting with the left-most one. (Think of it as lighting the candle representing the newest night first.) #HappyHanukkah

Parashat Vayeshev 5780 #ParashatVayeshev5780 #DvarTorah #TorahCommentary