This week we have the exciting parsha of Vayeshev. This is the single longest narrative in the book of genesis, the last four parshiot are about Joseph and his story.
So let’s dive right in, Joseph begins the Torah portion by informing his brothers and his father that he had two dreams that were of a similar nature. In each of the dreams, Joseph was the most important figure and his family was either bowing to him or orbiting around him. Now at first glance one could say, Wow look at the chutzpa of this guy! Being that Joseph is so young, his dreams seem arrogant and narcissistic. However, we know that what Joseph dreams about as a young boy comes to fruition as a man. He does become second in command to Pharaoh and his brothers end up bowing to him when they first see him not realizing who he is.
Dreams are very peculiar things, Leonardo Da Vinci says, “Why does the eye see a thing more clearly in dreams than the imagination when awake?” It is hard to decipher the meaning of a dream and yet that was Joseph’s gift. He was able to think more clearly and be in touch not only with his subconscious but also with God. God spoke to Joseph through his dreams the same way God spoke to many of the other figures in the bible. Have you ever had a dream so real that it didn’t feel like a dream at all? And that you could remember that dream for days or maybe even weeks on end? I have had such dreams, when I lost my stepmother to cancer it was beyond heartbreaking, in the months following her death I began having dreams of her. In these dreams we would have conversations.
What was weird to me is that I would wake up and remember exactly what was said and I wouldn’t forget a thing. Normally when I dream there are pieces I remember and the rest is fuzzy and as the day goes on I forget it entirely. To this day I remember my dreams with my Stepmother. I know now that these weren’t dreams at all but were her way of connecting with me after her earthly body was gone.
Joseph had this kind of connection with God. I feel very blessed to have had my stepmother in my life and once in a while we get to see each other and talk in my dreams. I hope you take time throughout your day to stop and think about all the ways God or loved ones passed are trying to talk to you and reach you. I want to wish you all a restful Shabbat and a Happy Hanukkah.
Cantor Kowitz
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Friday, December 20 - Thursday, December 26
Friday 6:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday 9:00 AM Nosh and D'rash 9:45 AM Shabbat Service
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