In an intimate gathering at last Friday’s Shabbat Service, David Vaida gave a Sermon on Vayigash. This is the parsha where Joseph, now a powerful man in Egypt, reveals himself to his brothers. Many of you know the story. It’s about truth, relationships, family and forgiveness.

At this time of year, when so many are visiting friends and families for the secular New Year, it’s easy to see how familial relationships have not changed in the many thousands of years since the story of Joseph and his brothers. Old hurts and unspoken feelings get in the way of enjoying the short time we have with our friends and family. As we are told in the story of Vayigash, Joseph decides to forgive his brothers and bring his family together to care for and watch out for them.

As we approach the New Year of 2013, we might want to think about this particular parsha. Have we transgressed against a family member or friend? Do we ourselves need to ask for forgiveness? And once we are asked to forgive, should we not forgive the one who asks?

The years tick by so quickly. It was just yesterday that we rang in the year 2012. Life is short but it can be made a tad sweeter by opening our hearts and minds to the understanding of the word forgiveness.

From everyone here at Temple Shirat Shalom … Happy and Healthy 2013!!