In Parshat Mikkaytz, Joseph comes face to face with his brothers and does not reveal himself. Why does Joseph conceal his identity and make life difficult for his brothers? There are many answers to this.
On a simple level, one might think Joseph is exacting revenge on his brothers for what they did to him. As plausible as that might seem, another answer is Joseph is fulfilling the prophecy of his dreams as a child. When the brothers first meet the Viceroy of Egypt (Joseph) they bow, however there are only ten brothers and in Joseph’s dream as a child all eleven brothers bowed to him. Therefore, Joseph knows he must orchestrate a plan to bring his youngest brother Benjamin to Egypt so his dream can be fulfilled. Another explanation is that Joseph’s behavior towards his brothers and the entire Joseph narrative explains how the Israelites came to live in Egypt and how they were enslaved by the Egyptians. For in truth, all of this was already preordained by G-d to Avraham in Beresheet chapter 15 verses 13-16.
Joseph tests his brother’s character to see if they have changed from the jealous and impulsive youths he knew growing up. He wants to give his brothers an opportunity to prove themselves when faced with misfortune. Like Joseph’s brothers, we are all being tested on a regular basis, being tested by life, God, our families, and our friends. Each day we have the opportunity to show that we can make the right choices when the situation gets difficult. The moments when we struggle or seem to falter on the test are learning opportunities that show us how we can do better the next time a similar situation comes up.
These lessons help us become better versions of ourselves; my parents always told me growing up that I learn from my mistakes and failures rather than my success. May we all continue to evolve, grow, learn and be ready for the next test that is thrown at us.
Shabbat shalom Cantor Diamond
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Young Family Shabbat at 5:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Services at 6:00 PM Derash at 9:00 AM Shabbat Services at 9:45 AM
Mazal Tov to Renee & Scott Kornfeld on the marriage of their son, Matthew to Jillian Friedman on Saturday, December 19, 2020.
Mazal Tov to Ed Cohn and Vickie Raphael on the birth of their granddaughter, Madelyn Eve, born on Monday, December 7, 2020. The proud parents are Diana Cohn and Lee Mendelowitz.
Thank you to the Belfeders, Brechers and the Blochs for coordinating the Family Chanukah Literacy Event. Unfortunately, we had to cancel this fun and well organized event due to the inclement weather. We look forward to having this fun event in the spring.
Thank you to Kimberly Burbank, Mrs O. and her staff for coordinating the Light the Candle Zoom Events with the Hebrew School families.
Thank you to Bill Berkowitz for hosting the Hazak Chanukah Celebration with Bruce Katz and a thank you to Nadine Kaufman and Amy Mogel for hosting the Sisterhood Book Club events and the Judaica Hour.
We would like to let you know how appreciative we are of you planning these fun Zoom events during the pandemic.
If anyone would like us to include a celebration or milestone in the weekly Shabbat Blast, feel free to send an email to: officestaff@cbohr.org.
MINYAN REQUESTS
The following people request minyans:
Sherry Skolnik has yahrzeit for her sister, Karen Zuchman Tessler on Wednesday, December 23rd at 7:00 PM. Click here
Bill Berkowitz has yahrzeit for his mother, Sarah on Thursday, December 24th at 7:00 PM. Click here
Susan Gardner has yahrzeit for her mother, Florence Bernstein, Friday, December 25th at 6:00 PM. Click here
Steve Nachbar & Toby Nachbar have yahrzeit for Jerry Nachbar and Matthew Gardner has yahrzeit for his mother, Esther Pasternack on Wednesday, December 30th at 8:00 PM. Click here
Steve Nachbar & Toby Nachbar have yahrzeit for Jerry Nachbar on Thursday, December 31st at 8:00 AM.Click here
If you wish to request a minyan,click herefor your submission.
Congregation Beth Ohr 2550 South Centre Avenue Bellmore NY 11710 (516) 781-3072 officestaff@cbohr.org
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism