Teach Your Children

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

December 29-30, 2017 / 12 Tevet 5778

Shabbat Vayekhi

Torah - Genesis 47:28 - 50:26 / Haftarah - I Kings 2:1-12

“Teach Your Children”

Dear Friends,

How can we impart true knowledge to our children?  In this week’s Torah portion, we have come to the end of the Book of Genesis.  The Children of Israel are living in Egypt in comfort and safety.  As Jacob nears the end of his life, he calls his sons together to bless them and offer some final wisdom.

In Judaism, we have a long tradition of offering words of wisdom and instruction to our children when the end of life seems imminent.  They are often written statements called ethical wills and offer the opportunity to impart values and lessons learned through life.

Take some time to research ethical wills and consider creating one based on your acquired wisdom. They can be written anytime, at any age – and can be done quickly or be an ongoing ‘work in progress’.  There is no need to wait until the end of life to share such important life lessons with future generations.  Anytime is good time to have a conversation with children, grandchildren, and others about what you think is important in life and what will help them as they grow and mature.

How can we impart true knowledge to our children? Be like Jacob and share your wisdom.  Teach your children.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Leading the Way

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

December 22-23, 2017 / 5 Tevet 5778

Torah - Genesis 44:18-47:27 / Haftarah - Ezekiel 37:15-28

“Leading the Way”

Dear Friends,

What should I response be when we are asked to lead?  In this week’s Torah portion we find that Joseph has risen to great power and responsibility in Egypt.  He is providing food for starving Egyptians and Canaanites, including his own family.  When his father Jacob and the rest of his family comes to Egypt, Jacob asks Judah to lead the way.  This Judah does.  Many will say that Judah is still leading.

Through the course of history, eventually 10 tribes would be conquered and destroyed by Assyria.  Benjamin and Judah remained, but Benjamin was absorbed by Judah and disappeared.  Thus, only the tribe of Judah remains to this very day.  We Jews are all descendants of Judah.  That’s why we are called Jews.  That is why our tradition is called “Judah-ism.”

So be proud of our ancestor, Judah, and our great Jewish heritage. We are a people often called upon to go first and show the path.  Like Judah, when the call comes, our tradition tells us to step up, lead the way, and make a difference in the world.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Feeding the Hungry, Helping Those in Need

Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

December 15-16, 2017 / 28 Kislev 5778

Shabbat Miketz - Chanukah

Torah: Genesis 41:1 - 44:17

Maftir: Numbers 7:30 - 7:41 | Shabbat Chanukah - Day 4

Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 | Shabbat Chanukah - Day 4

“Feeding the Hungry, Helping Those in Need”

Dear Friends,

How can we be more like Joseph? When Joseph was in Egypt, he rose to great power and influence by managing the food resources during the seven years of plenty and seven years of famine.  At first he collected food.  Then, he made sure that it was distributed to all who were hungry, whether in Egypt or in surrounding lands.

During Hanukkah, I encourage you to think beyond all the gifts that we receive from loved ones during the eight nights of celebration.  Be more like Joseph and think about all who have so little and especially of those who are hungry.  On at least one of the nights, give to those in need.  Collect food and bring it to a food pantry.  Volunteer to cook and serve in a soup kitchen.  Help out in a homeless shelter.  Bring gifts to organizations that will distribute them to poor children.

There is such great need and there are so many ways to help.  Be more like Joseph and help those in need.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

Doing the Best We Can Do

December 8-9, 2017 / 21 Kislev 5778

Shabbat Vayeshev

Torah Reading: Genesis 37:1-40:23 / Haftarah Reading: Amos 2:6-3:8

“Doing the Best We Can Do”

Dear Friends,

Consider how seemingly minor acts can make all the difference in the world.  In this week’s Torah portion, Joseph’s brothers are whipped up into a frenzy against him.  They are jealous that their father Jacob gave the striped Coat of Many Colors to Joseph.  They are resentful that Joseph has dreams of grandeur to rule over his brothers – and then shares these dreams. They are offended and indignant that Jacob has sent Joseph to report back to him about his brothers and the flocks they are tending.  Thus, enraged, they plot to kill him. Yet, Reuben convinces them to throw Joseph in a pit, hoping to rescue him later.  Judah, convinces them to sell Joseph to caravan traders, expecting to free him later.  Ultimately, Joseph’s life is saved.

The rest of the story we all know.  Even though his brothers never rescue him, Joseph becomes a great leader in Egypt and eventually saves the lives of his brothers, their families, and the entire Israelite people in a time of prolonged drought.

The Torah’s message is clear. Each of us are called from time to time to intervene in a difficult situation.  The solution is rarely clear and there are often many options.  Nevertheless, in every situation, we must do our best – for the sake of blessing, abundance and life itself.  Hopefully, what may be minor acts actually make all the difference in the world.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow