The Torah portion this week, Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17) tells of Joseph’s complicated reunion with his brothers after 13 years of slavery. He had become deeply assimilated into the Egyptian culture in which he was living. But yet inside, he still did feel Jewish and cared for his family. One can only imagine how alone he must have felt during holidays and times of Jewish ritual. He was completely separated from the Jewish community and his family. Even though he held a position of authority on the Egyptian Court, I believe his heart must have felt torn.
In the midst of this week of Chanukah celebration we have the opportunity to reach out to our family members, friends and community members with whom we may have lost touch. This is an opportunity to renew relationships and perhaps reopen doors of communication that inadvertently may have closed. We can use this moment to reconnect and rededicate ourselves to strengthening our community. Holiday celebrations are hopefully times of joy but there are those around us, like Joseph, that are disconnected from their family and friends, thus left out and alone.
In these last three days of Chanukah observance, enjoy the brilliance of light as our Chanukiyot (menorahs) become more radiant with each night. Take advantage of the opportunity share that light with those around you. Take the time to look beyond your immediate circle to invite others into your celebrations. Join the temple community at our Chanukah Shabbat service tomorrow night at 6:30 PM. MMC (Middle Matzah Conspiracy) when our temple band will add exuberance to our service and celebration. Be here when we welcome our newest young members , our first graders, into the congregation with a ceremony of Consecration. Join us on the last day of Chanukah, Sunday, December 16 at 3:30 Pm, when we welcome contemporary singer/songwriter Dan Nichols to our congregation. He will be our guest artist when we host this year’s Annual Greater Washington Area Jewish Youth Choral Festival. Dan will lead some 200 singers from 10 local congregations in a spirited concert of song and celebration.
Happy Chanukah!
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