Vayyigash begins where last week’s sedra ended. In last week’s portion Joseph refused to accept Judah’s offer of having all the brothers remain as slaves. Instead Joseph said he only wants Benjamin to remain as a slave. Judah was afraid that Jacob could not withstand this tragedy. Judah explained to Joseph that their father loved the two children of his deceased beloved wife Rachel. There was no trace of jealousy in Judah’s voice. This moved Joseph and made him think that his brothers have learned from their terrible behavior towards him. Judah offered himself as a substitute for Benjamin. Joseph realized his brothers have changed. What lesson can we learn from this story.

One person acting like a mensch can turn a whole situation around and can inspire those around him to do the right thing. However, if no one steps up then people can act engaging in their basest instincts. We should always try and be courageous and follow the path of righteousness.

This Wednesday evening begins the holiday of Chanukah, our Festival of Lights. It is not by chance that Chanukah is in the darkest time of the year. Human Beings crave light in the late fall and winter months. We witness every day at this time of year another holiday that focuses on light, that is of course Christmas. Anthropologists tell us that since the beginning of times Human Beings have wanted to light the darkness. The light from the Chanukiah is not meant to be utilitarian it is there for its significance religiously and for the beauty of having candles glow on a cold dark night.

The Rabbis discussed shall we add a candle each night or shall we remove one candle for each of the eight days. The house of Shammai wanted to remove the candles each night and the house of Hillel wanted to increase the light by adding a candle. As you can imagine the idea of always increasing our light won out and we add a candle every night.

It is customary to exhibit the Chanukiah in the window so that all who pass can see the lights burning and remember the miracle that is the Festival of Lights. The Chanukiah must have the candles displayed plainly so that those looking at the candles can discern what day of Chanukah is being celebrated. Oftentimes the candles are in a straight line and the Shammash is either higher or is to the side of the eight candles for the reason of clarity.

This year as the second day of Chanukah is Thanksgiving we have another layer to add to our Chanukah celebration that of thankfulness not only for our families, the household of Israel but also for our wonderful country that allows all Jews to celebrate their holidays in peace. This year let us offer all these thanks at our Thanksgiving table.

In Vayeishev we begin the Biblical story of Joseph. Joseph is transformed from a clueless, spoiled teenager to the person who ultimately saved his family. Granted Jacob and Joseph did everything to anger Joseph’s brothers. Jacob favored Joseph unabashedly and Joseph related dreams to his brothers that would infuriate any sibling. He tells his brothers his dreams. In the dreams, Joseph is always top dog and the brothers are subservient to him. No wonder they threw him in a pit!
As justified as they are in hating Joseph, their behavior was unthinkable. They lied to their father causing him terrible sadness by saying Joseph was dead. The worst thing about their behavior was that after they threw Joseph in the pit, told their father he was dead, they sat down and ate a large meal, showing no remorse. Truly how cruel can brothers be to their own flesh and blood.

The scary part is that we can rationalize anything. There is a “Banality of Evil” a phrase coined by Hannah Arendt. Evil comes in common garb and sometimes it is very hard to compute when evil enters our lives. We do not recognize it because we can not believe people can act so terribly.

In the biblical story, eventually the brothers are remorseful and Joseph forgives them. This of course points out that if you are truly sorry for bad behaviors forgiveness can occur.

Starting on November 22 for Shabbat services we will be using our new prayer books. We just purchased copies of Mishkan T’fillah, the prayer book published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis, an affiliate of the Union of Reform Judaism. Although new for us, it was published in 2007 and is used throughout the country is Reform congregations. My liturgy professor at Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Doctor Lawrence Hoffman, said that each generation should write their own prayer book to reflect their own values. The prayer book is a complete worship service including all the prayers prescribed for all our holidays except the High Holydays. The English readings reflect what Jews in the 21st Century are concerned with, including feminism, social justice, Zionism, distinctiveness, and human challenges. We are a diverse people and Mishkan T’fillah tries to appeal to everyone. It gives many choices on the page to look at, either the Hebrew, direct translation of the prayers or poetic musings on our tradition. It is book that can move every Jew to worship.

I understand change is hard and congregants become attached to what they are familiar with. I feel we should all give Mishkan T’fillah a try.  Come to services – that is the only way to embrace a new initiative. I will be explaining the book at least for the first month that we will be using it, in hopes that you will become comfortable with the new text. This is an exciting adventure for TSS. Please meet me at services and let us explore Mishkan T’fillah together.