We call ourselves Jews but the Torah names us “Children of Israel.” Like descendants of siblings we are cousins to each other. Like families, we may experience conflict and disagreement even as we also share love and affection. We are a family. If we take the time to look deep within ourselves we hopefully see the common roots from which we all emerge and conduct ourselves accordingly. Strikingly, the labels ‘religious’, ‘liberal’,‘secular’, ‘ Conservative’, ‘Reform’, ‘Shabbas-observant’, ‘leftist’, ‘’AIPAC’ , ‘JStreet’ , ‘kosher-eating’ and ‘trayf-eating’ do not appear in Torah. The only words which do appear in Torah are Children of Israel or individual member of Israel. Ever since we began 3,800 years ago we have defined ourselves as family and we view the world through the lens of loyalty, obligation and need to care for each other in spite of our potential differences. Mull over the myriad elements of Tzedakah and you will realize our ties which hold us together. Essentially, we are all one extended family.
This week’s Torah reading brings home the power of family reconciliation. Joseph is now Viceroy of Egypt. Seeing his brothers, he remembers their cruel mistreatment and has it in his power to return the favor. But as he is about to imprison Benjamin on a trumped-up charge, his older brother Judah breaks down in contrition and humility. He offers himself in exchange for his younger brother who has done no wrong. Joseph also breaks down and reveals himself to his astonished brothers. They weep and they pledge to mend fences; all as a result of the drama between Joseph and Judah. If not for Judah (for whom we Jews are named) we might all still be in an Egyptian prison.
Perhaps one man’s willingness to accept personal responsibility did not literally preclude all of our still being imprisoned. But Torah, not concealing the misdeeds of our ancestors, highlights all behavior-good and bad-and offers us a sacred perspective whereby we may evaluate our own conduct.
May we have the power and courage to reconcile with our own families.
Shabbat Shalom.
Remember Musical Shabbat with Sammy Rosenbaum ( Musical service tomorrow evening from 6-7:00p.m.) and Concert onSaturday Dec. 19 @ 7:00p.m! Please join us for the gift of music!
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