Torah Thoughts is from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. This week we read from Parsha Miketz ("the end" in Hebrew) Genesis 41:1 - 44:17 . "It came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh was dreaming, and behold, he was standing by the Nile."
Here we begin he story of how Joseph rose to great power in Egypt. It is when Pharaoh has a dream and it is the butler who remembers that a guy sitting in jail has the ability to interpret dreams. Joseph is that person and he correctly interprets the dream and ascends to a position of power.
I've always found it interesting that it was a butler...a servant...who remembered Joseph. It wasn't a royal councilor or a priest of the cult. It was a servant.
It reminds us that discovery isn't reserved for the powerful and elite. We all play a part.
We continue in this Parsha as ten of Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy food, Joseph recognizes them, but they don't recognize him. Joseph accuses them of being spies and puts them through a series of machinations in order to get them to bring his brother Benjamin to Egypt. Then Joseph frames Benjamin for stealing his special wine goblet.
The Shamash
Here is another interesting aspect of the servant. (see above) The candle we use to light the other candles in the Menorah during Chanukah is called the Shamash. That word is Hebrew for...servant. It serves to light the other candles. It is, I believe, a reminder to those in power, be they elected officials or rabbis or the boss, that they are in their position not only to direct and even create...they are there to serve others. Some might call this "servant leadership". It is when we realize we are in a place where we can truly be a servant to others by listening and lifting them up. To be a Shamash is to be treasured.
Chanukah
The celebration of "rededication" which is what the word "Chanukah" means. Here are a couple of facts about Chanukah that you may not know...
- The Chanukah celebration, which began with the rededication of the Temple, took place on the 25th of the Jewish month known as Kislev. The 25th of Kislev was already very significant in ancient Jewish history. The temporary Temple that the Jewish people constructed under the direction of Moses during their 40 years of wandering the Sinai desert was completed on the 25th of Kislev. Additionally, the foundation stone for the Second Temple (515 BCE) was laid on the 24th of Kislev and the celebration took place that evening (the 25th of Kislev);
- The 25th word in the Torah is "ohr - light." This is most fitting for the holiday known as the "Festival of Lights";
- Maimonides (the great codifier of Jewish law and well known doctor and philosopher of the 11th century) writes that the mitzvah of lighting the Chanukah candles is greatly beloved and one must make every effort to fulfill this mitzvah. He ends with the following beautiful sentiment, "Light in the home promotes shalom (peace) and the Torah was given in order to promote peace in the world."
Services and Midrash
A reminder that in January our service will be on Friday the 6th starting at 7:00PM and then on Shabbat we'll hold our Midrash or study session at 10:00AM. The Parsha we'll be discussing Parsha Vayechi (Genesis 47:28 - 50:26). Both events will take place at the Shul.
One final item. We don't often ask for donations but if you are moved to assist our little congregation consider doing so. One of the nice things about donating to Adas Israel is that every dollar that is given is matched. So if you give $50 that turns into $100. Thank you, in advance. Our address is Adas Israel, Post Office Box 621, Mason City, Iowa 50402-0621
Shabbat Shalom and see you in Shul!
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