Torah Tidbits

Turkeys and Latkes
Shabbat Parashat Vayeshev
November 23, 2013 – 20 Kislev 5774

Turkeys and Latkes

So, what do Turkeys and Latkes have to do with our weekly Torah portion?

This Shabbat we read about a most arrogant young man – Jacob’s son, Joseph .  Joseph, his father’s favorite son from the outset, and a younger brother to most of his siblings, somehow managed to alienate most of his family by the time he was seventeen years old.  In fact, he was so hated that his own brothers sold him into slavery!

It took years and years of being in prison, of learning to listen well to the stories of other people and of being concerned about them, before Joseph emerged as a caring person, an able leader, a person of faith, and as one who could effectuate healing within his own family of origin.

This Shabbat and this coming week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving and Chanukah, we have the opportunity to show gratitude for our blessings and to celebrate with family and friends.

Let’s make the most of these opportunities.   Let’s remember to include in our celebrations those who may not have the means to buy food for a festive meal and those who may not have family with which to rejoice.

Turkeys and Latkes taste so much better when we share our joy and when we remember the importance of having a supportive community of family and friends with which to share our sense of gratitude and blessing.

I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Chanukah.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Gilah Dror