Shabbat Shalom, Beth Torah!
Saturday | 9:30 a.m.
We are delighted to be open and holding Shabbat morning services onsite. Please join us, no registration is necessary.
Those unable to attend in person are invited to join us online for our livestreamed services.
Shabbat Info
Friday, December 20 | Kislev 19, 5785
4:25 p.m. Light Shabbat candles
Saturday, December 21 | Kislev 20, 5785
9:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service
5:32 p.m. Shabbat ends
Parshat – Vayeishev
Torah Reading
Genesis 37:1 – 40:23
Parshat Vayeishev Insights
Parshat Vayeishev is a pivotal portion in the Book of Genesis, containing many well-known stories, such as the sale of Joseph, his rise to prominence in Egypt, and the beginning of the saga that will ultimately lead to the Israelites’ exile in Egypt. One of the central themes of this parsha is the tension between family dynamics and the consequences of jealousy, as well as the concept of divine providence.
The parsha begins with Jacob’s decision to settle in the land of Canaan, and immediately we see the discord in the family. Jacob favors Joseph, his son by Rachel, over his other children. This favoritism, symbolized by the multicolored coat that Jacob gives to Joseph, exacerbates the jealousy and resentment that the other brothers feel. They plot to kill Joseph but, at the suggestion of Reuben, settle on throwing him into a pit. Ultimately, they sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites, and Joseph is taken to Egypt.
This story illustrates the destructive power of jealousy. The brothers’ envy toward Joseph leads them to act in ways that tear their family apart. Even when they see Joseph as a threat to their own positions and futures, they do not consider the broader consequences of their actions. Their moment of anger and jealousy has long-lasting effects, as it separates the brothers from their father and leads to a lifetime of guilt and regret. The story reminds us of the importance of overcoming jealousy and resentment, which can cloud judgment and lead to devastating results.
Yet, even amid this betrayal, the narrative subtly introduces the theme of hashgachah pratit—divine providence. Though the brothers believe they are rid of Joseph, God’s hand is at work in the background. Joseph’s descent to Egypt, far from being an end, marks the beginning of a new chapter. His rise to power in Egypt and eventual reunion with his family, where he forgives his brothers, is part of God’s plan to preserve the family of Jacob in the midst of famine.
Joseph’s journey is a testament to resilience and faith in the face of adversity. Despite being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison, he remains faithful to his values and trust in God. This is evident when, in the midst of his success in Egypt, he refuses the advances of Potiphar’s wife, maintaining his integrity even when it costs him his freedom. Joseph’s ability to rise above his circumstances demonstrates the theme that, even when human actions seem to lead to disaster, there is often a greater purpose unfolding beyond our understanding.
As we read Parshat Vayeishev, we are reminded of the dangers of unchecked jealousy and the importance of maintaining integrity in all circumstances. More importantly, we learn that even when life seems to take unexpected turns, God’s providence is guiding us toward a future that may be far greater than we can currently see. This perspective can offer us comfort and strength in our own personal struggles.
Shabbat Shalom!
BTC Holiday Office Hours
Monday, December 23rd: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 24th: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, December 25th: CLOSED
Thursday, December 26th: CLOSED
Friday, December 27th: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, December 30th: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 31st: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, January 1st: CLOSED
Thursday, January 2nd: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday, January 3rd: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Weekly Yahrzeit Listings
Week of December 21st Yahrzeit Listings
Stanley Eidinger, Father of Karen Eidinger, father-in-law of Allan Weinbaum, December 22,
2024.
Harriet Epstein, Aunt of Debbie Cusmariu, December 22, 2024.
Hymie Mozart, Grandfather of Gayla Schwartz, December 22, 2024.
Nora Rudnick, Sister of Susan Glick, sister-in-law of Eddie Glick, December 22, 2024.
Albert Josse, Father of Robert Josse, father-in-law of Bonita Josse, December 23, 2024.
Sidney Lipchitz, Brother-in-law of Don and Patricia Epstein, uncle of Sherri Patak, Debbie
Cusmariu, and Nathaniel Epstein, December 23, 2024.
Ira Monson, Father of Joyce Monson, December 23, 2024.
Joe Seigel, Brother of Patricia Epstein, uncle of Nathaniel Epstein, December 23, 2024.
Sally Sternberg, Mother of Gerry Sternberg, December 23, 2024.
Maxwell Cainer, Father of Debbi Gallen, father-in-law of Steven Gallen, December 24, 2024.
Ruth Rosen, Wife of Carl Rosen, step-mother of Ilena Borinsky, grandmother of Michael and
Matthew Borinsky, December 24, 2024.
Manuel Spivak, Father of Sari Weinstein, father-in-law of Howard Weinstein, December 24,
2024.
Michel Cohen, Father of Dan Cohen, father-in-law of Jackie Goldberg, December 25, 2024.
Toby Lipton, Mother of Carol Presement, mother-in-law of Barry Presement, December 25,
2024.
Alan Walton, Brother of Howard Walton, brother-in-law of Marilyn Walton, December 25, 2024.
Jolan (Joli) Winkler, Mother of Peter Farkas, mother-in-law of Barbara Farkas, grandmother of
Adena, Rebecca and Jesse Farkas, December 25, 2024.
William B. Cohen, Step-Father of Deborah Anschell, December 26, 2024.
Max Greenspoon, Father of Ira Greenspoon, father-in-law of Merle Greenspoon, December
26, 2024.