Torah Tuesday: The Shabbat of Approaching
The Importance of Reconciliation and Forgiveness in Our Relationships
The Torah portion of Vayigash, which means "to draw close," offers valuable lessons on reconciliation and forgiveness in our relationships. In the story, we see the character of Judah approaching his brother Joseph to plead for their brother Benjamin's release. Judah recognizes the error of his ways and admits to his wrongdoing, showing a willingness to take responsibility and make amends.
This act of humility and selflessness is a powerful example of the importance of reconciliation and the transformative power it can have on our relationships. When we approach others with a desire to make amends, we demonstrate our willingness to admit our mistakes and take responsibility for our actions, which can help heal and restore damaged relationships.
As we approach the new year, it is important to reflect on any relationships that may require mending and strive to make amends in order to bring about healing and restoration. This process can be difficult and may require vulnerability and openness, but the end result of a reconciled and strengthened relationship is worth the effort.
In addition to the lesson of reconciliation, the story of Vayigash also highlights the power of forgiveness. Despite the wrongs and harm caused by his brothers, Joseph ultimately shows mercy and forgives them, bringing about a reunion and reconciliation between them. This act of forgiveness reminds us of the importance of extending mercy and grace to others, even when we have been wronged.
Forgiveness can be challenging, as it requires letting go of resentment and anger towards those who have hurt us. However, when we choose to forgive, we open ourselves up to the possibility of healing and restoration in our relationships. Forgiveness can also bring about a sense of peace and liberation as we let go of the burden of anger and resentment.
As we approach the new year, let us strive to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us and work towards building stronger, more harmonious relationships. This may involve approaching others with compassion and a desire to make things right, just as Judah did with Joseph in this week's Torah portion.
The lessons of Vayigash remind us to constantly strive for growth and improvement in our relationships and in ourselves. As we enter the new year, may we approach others with humility and a desire to make amends and extend forgiveness as we seek to build stronger relationships. May the teachings of Vayigash guide us toward a year filled with hope, growth, and meaningful connections with those around us.
A Healing Prayer for Us All
“Every one of us is a cantor; every one of us is called to intone a song, to put into prayer the anguish of all.” - Abraham Joshua Heschel
When my journey to becoming a rabbi began, I found musical inspiration in Jewish prayer, which started me on a musical journey of singing, writing, and playing music. Songwriting allows me to express my joy, grief, and sadness of the world around me. Today I find myself in a pretty unique position. I'm a rabbi, a Jewish faith leader, a sought-after public speaker, and in subtle and often not so subtle ways, people still treat me like an outsider in the Jewish community. No matter what I do, I am often not seen as Jewish or seen as less than Jewish, or our community is not ready for a black rabbi. These are constant reminders that I live in a society that sees my blackness before seeing me or getting to know me. - Rabbi Sandra Lawson
How do our Jewish communities begin the process of seeking forgiveness for racism against Jews who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color? How do we do teshuva - repentance on something our Jewish ancestors never imagined? As someone who has experienced racism in the Jewish world both professionally, as a congregant, and as a regular Jew in the world, I don’t claim to know the best answers, but I know the first step is Acknowledgment: our communities must first realize that actual harm has been committed or inflicted. If we never recognize or acknowledge that harm has taken place, we will continue to cause harm and inflict pain on other Jews.
In Judaism, we offer a Mi Sheberach prayer for those who are ill or recovering from a sickness. I offer this song as a prayer for healing for all of us. May we one day rid ourselves of the bigotry that infects our communities and our country.