As we celebrate Shabbat and the Torah portion of Mikeitz, it is important to take a moment to express gratitude for the gifts we have, especially during these challenging times when many of us have been affected by the winter storm. We can be grateful for the love and support of our family and friends, the roof over our heads and the food on our table, and the countless other blessings we often take for granted. And let us not forget those who continue to struggle in our society, and we music continue to work hard to ensure that our brothers, sisters, siblings, neighbors, and friends have the support they need
In this week's Torah portion, we read about the story of Joseph and his brothers. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers out of jealousy, Joseph remained resilient and eventually rose to become a powerful leader in Mitzrayim. Through his wisdom and foresight, he saved Mitzrayim from a devastating famine and reunites with his brothers, ultimately bringing about reconciliation and forgiveness.
As we reflect on the story of Joseph, we can be inspired by his resilience, his ability to rise above adversity, and his willingness to forgive. Let us also remember to show gratitude for the challenges and struggles we have faced, as they have the potential to make us stronger and wiser.
The haftarah of Shabbat Hanukkah, taken from the book of Zechariah, also conveys a message of hope and redemption. It speaks of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and God's presence within it, reminding Jews of the resilience and strength of their community. The passage also speaks of a future time when all will come to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot, and God will dwell among them. This is seen as a symbol of the ultimate restoration of the Jewish people and their place in the world.
As we grapple with the challenges and divisions facing our country today, let us draw inspiration from these messages of resilience, forgiveness, and gratitude. May we strive to embody these qualities in our own lives and work towards building a more united and compassionate society.
We are getting closer to the end of 2022 many of us begin the year with new hopes, dreams, and plans for the coming year. I planned to spend this coming week creating a dream board or mapping out things I plan to work on and accomplish in 2023. I do this every few years, and so far, I have accomplished all that I set out to do in previous years. What are your plans to accomplish your goals?
May this Shabbat be a time of rest, renewal, connection with loved ones, and gratitude for all that we have. Shabbat Shalom!