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Shabbat Vayigash
Genesis 44: 18-47:27
Candle Lighting Time: Friday, December 14, 2007 4: 10 P.M.
When the atmospheric
pressure on the outside of an object is greater than its inside
resistance, it collapses under the strain. A corresponding principle
applies in the spiritual realm, as illustrated by the following story:
One time a Congressman voted in favor of a measure he knew was wrong.
He did so for the sake of expediency even though his better judgment and
the dictates of his conscience told him he was making a mistake. Later
a friend voiced keen disappointment at the position he had taken on the
issue. “Your action cannot be justified,” he said, “and I am sure you
knew you were in error.” The lawmaker replied, “Well, yes, it really
was not right for me to support that bill, but you just have no idea how
much pressure is brought to bear upon us here at the Capitol!”
“Pressure!” said his friend. “But Congressman, where were your inside
braces?”
Thank God in this week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, inside braces were
engaged. You remember how the brothers plotted to murder Joseph and
then at the last moment sold him into slavery expecting him to die at
the hands of others. Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, Potiphar
incarcerated Joseph in jail and threw away the key. God reversed his
fortune and made him second only to Pharaoh. When his brothers came to
Egypt looking for food they didn’t recognize him, but he recognized
them! You can imagine the pressure upon him to wreck vengeance on his
brothers. He framed them for stealing a golden goblet and now could
throw the book at them. After listening to Judah’s plea for Benjamin’s
life, Joseph finally applied his inner breaks. “Joseph could no longer
control himself before all his attendants…Joseph said to his brothers,
‘I am Joseph….Now, do not be distressed or reproach yourselves because
you sold me hither. It was to save life that God sent me ahead of you…”
(Gen 45: 1-8)
No one is immune to pressures. Not Joseph, not us. We face many trying
situations in life that require moral and spiritual courage. The
pressure at times can become extremely great. When we rely upon God and
the observance of the Torah we can expect to strengthen the yetzer hatov,
the good inclination, to withstand the pressures of the yetzer hara, the
evil inclination. When we do, we will be able to remain true and
steadfast when evil influences bear down upon us. By living as the
People of the Book, we will be also known as the People With Inside
Braces.”
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gary Greene
Services Schedule:
Friday night 7:00 p.m.
Shabbat 9:00 a.m.
Mon. & Thurs 6:30 a.m.
Sun. -Thurs night 7:30 p.m.
Announcements:
Thursday, December 13-Israel Day Parade Committee meeting 7:45 p.m.
Tuesday, December 18th Continuing Adult Education 10:00 a.m.-Noon
Last day of Hebrew School before Winter break.
December 24th - We are screening the first of our four Israeli films in
honor of Israel’s 60th birthday. We shall be screening the Ephriam Kishon’s
comedy “The Policeman” at 7:00 p.m. in the blue room. There is a $5.00
donation in advance and a $7.00 donation at the door. All monies collected
will be used to help refurbish our lobby. Only snacks will be available for
purchase during the movie.
NEQJCC and MJCC's WINTER COAT AND CLOTHING DRIVE
FOR THE NEEDY
Bring to the Samuel Field Y your good, warm, and old winter jackets that are
just taking up space in your closet December 2-21, 2007. We shall recycle
them so those in need will be warmer through out this cold winter
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