Shemot (Ex. 1:1-6:1)

“Who Are You?”

            Parasha Shemot brings us into the book known in English as Exodus. We are introduced to Moses, an Israelite born man, who was taken in by Pharaoh’s daughter as a baby. After a series of events as a young man, he runs away to Midian and lives a quiet life until he is approached by Hashem. This event takes place in chapter 3, verses 1-15. While tending his father-in-law’s flock, Moses sees a burning bush and hears a voice. The voice calls him by name and it is the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Hashem tells him that He wishes for him to free His people (the Israelites) from Pharaoh. Later in the parasha, Moses agrees to take on this command.

            “Shemot” is translated as names and I find that very applicable. When G-d speaks to Moses, Moses asks who he should tell the Israelites that he is speaking for. Hashem tells him that he is “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh” or “I Am Who I Am” and that the people should call Him Adonai or The L-rd.

            Moses was given his name by the Pharaoh’s daughter when she found him in the Nile River. It means “draw out” and his life purpose ended up being to “draw out” the Israelites from Egypt. Another note that I’d like to point out is that Hashem picked a bush, which is low, rather than a tall tree to address Moses. Some interpret this as G-d not wanting to appear haughty. However, I feel that it was done to remind us to not have our noses in the air, so to speak. In other word, we must always remember to humble ourselves before G-d.

Va-yehi (Gen. 47:28-50:26)

Earning Your Place

            This week’s parasha and the final parasha in Genesis is Va-yehi. Preparing to leave this world, Jacob talks to his sons one last time. In his final hours, Jacob blesses Joseph and Joseph’s sons, then his other 11 sons. Jacob tells Joseph he wishes to be buried back in Canaan. After Jacob’s passing, Joseph’s brothers offer themselves to Joseph as slaves, but he won’t have it. The parasha closes with Joseph’s death.

            When Jacob blesses Joseph, he blesses him with a portion more than his brothers. As first-born, Reuben would normally have the birthright, but this was squandered for not standing up for Joseph and for sleeping with his father’s concubine (Gen 35:22). This shows that even though you think you should qualify for something, i.e. being part of a religion, you still have to work for rewards. It is said “With great power comes great responsibility.” We have the blessing and curse of free will. Let’s handle our souls with care.

Va-yiggash (Gen 44:18-47:27)

Letting it Go

           

            Va-yiggash, or as I like to think of it, “Joseph’s Big Reveal,” is this week’s parasha. Genesis 45:1-15 recounts Joseph letting his brothers’ know who he is and embracing them. When Pharaoh hears the news, he welcomes them and tells them to make Egypt their home as the famine is to last 5 more years. They heed this advice and now the house of Israel is once again removed from the Promised Land.

            As Joseph tells his brothers who he is, he says, “Now, do not be distressed or reproach yourselves because you sold me hither; it was to save life that G-d sent me here.” (Genesis 45:5) Joseph has accepted what his brothers did and also recognizes the true purpose for it. He realizes that he would have never gotten anywhere if he let his brothers’ decision rule his life or tried to get back at them. He kept moving forward and did great deeds for others. When others curse us or do wrong by us, we could miss out on a blessing while being stuck on their acts. Let go and let G-d!

Mikkets (Gen 41:1-44:17)

Blessings in Disguise

            Parasha Mikkets finds Joseph being released from the Egyptian prison on the merit of his dream reading. He interprets Pharaoh’s dreams as a sign that there was to be 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine. Joseph is made Pharaoh’s second-in-command and gets married. He leads the stocking up of supplies during the 7 years of plenty. The famine hits the world hard and back in Canaan, Jacob and his family hears word of provisions being distributed in Egypt. Jacob sends his 10 sons, leaving out Benjamin, to see about grain rations. They don’t recognize Joseph, who sees that they get their rations.

            Last week, I mentioned the idea that bad things can sometimes happen to good. Yes, Joseph was cast out and had to spend time in prison. Now, he finds himself the Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Now, his family needs his help. Hashem puts everything in place for a reason. When the pieces are down, just think about the bigger picture you’ll see when the L-rd brings it all together.

Va-yeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23)

Fortunate Son

           Va-yeshev, this week’s parasha, begins a shift in focus to Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was the favorite of Jacob, which angered his brothers who began to plot against him. This jealousy led them to sell him into slavery, eventually leading him to Egypt and the home of Potiphar, chief steward of Pharaoh. Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Joseph of rape after he would not submit to her advances. The parasha closes out with Joseph in prison for this accusation.

            Joseph was a good man. He is even known by some as Josef l’Tzaddik (Joseph the Righteous). But as many of us know bad things can still happen to good people. Joseph’s perils came about by being the favored son of his father and other’s envy just as we, Hashem’s Chosen People, have faced. Most recently, this is being seen in the fight our Israeli brothers and sisters face daily. Life is tough sometimes, but we should recall that “no weapon formed against you shall succeed” (Isaiah 54:17).