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Marathon Jewish Community Center's Cyber Shul
Shabbat Vayechi Genesis 47:28-50:26 Candle Lighting Time: Friday, December 21, 2007 4: 13 P.M. At death we must leave behind all the wealth and all the earthy honors we may have accumulated. This sobering truth was graphically expressed by two characters in a comic strip. Upon being told that someone in their community had died, one of them asked, “What did he leave behind?” The other grimly replied, “Everything.” In this week’s Torah portion, Jacob passes away in Egypt and is buried in Canaan next to his wife Leah, his father and mother, Isaac and Rebecca, and his grandparents, Abraham and Sarah in the Cave of Machpalah. At the very end of the parasha Joseph too dies and makes the Children of Israel swear an oath when “When God has taken notice of you, you shall carry up my bones from here.” The Jewish people remembered their promise to Joseph and carried his remains when they left Egypt with Moses and ultimately buried him in Shechem, modern day Nablus. Our parasha is a reminder for people who devote their entire lives to acquiring the things of this world. Our material possessions will be used up or left to others, and our worldly fame will be soon forgotten. But there is something far more significant than any amount of money or processions that we will have to leave behind when we depart this earthly scene. It’s our influence-either for good or for evil. We remember the Jacob’s sons attributes every year at this time when we read Jacob’s last address to them. According to our sages, Zebulun preceded his brother Issachar in Jacob’s blessings because the members of tribe of Zebulun were prosperous merchants who subsidized the members of the tribe of Issachar, enabling them to engage in study. Jacob gives precedence to Zebulun as a way of commending them for their actions. (Etz Hayyim commentary below the line on page 302 in) Jacob also curses Shimon and Levi’s anger. (Notice: even in his displeasure he doesn’t curse his sons; he curses their unacceptable behavior. (Etz Hayyim commentary below the line page 300) Let’s not foolishly live only for material wealth or earthly fame. Instead, let’s focus our attention upon developing the Image of God within ourselves. Then we shall be a continuing influence for good among those who survive us. Remember: You can’t bury your influence. 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: 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. Thursday, Dec. 20th There is a blood drive at the Israel Center for Conservative Judaism. If you are able to donate blood, I encourage you to go there and do so.
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