From the Inside Out

This week's Torah reading, Vayigash means, "And he approached;" The Zohar understands Yehudah and Yosef's union as symbolizing the approach of the physical world to the spiritual world. In essence, the world at large is at one with G*d. This is the meaning of the phrase "G*d is one" in the Shema, not merely that there is one G*d, but that all existence is at one with Him.

The Alter Rebe writes, "Expressing the inner oneness that exists between people serves as a catalyst to achieve oneness in the world at large, allowing the material world to serve as a medium for the expression of spiritual truth. This was reflected in the conduct of Yaakov and his sons in Egypt. Although settling in Egypt involved a descent into exile, and Egypt was a morally depraved land, Yaakov and his sons established a model of spiritually oriented existence there. Pharaoh granted them the finest portion of the land, promising "the best of Egypt will be yours."
Yaakov and his sons made maximum use of this opportunity. Indeed, our Rabbis explain that these were Yaakov's best years. Throughout his life, he endeavored to express spiritual values within the day-to-day realities of ordinary living. In Egypt, he was given the ability to bring this ideal to fruition. How often do we find ourselves in our own Egypt beloved? Although overwhelming at times, when we take a deep breath, a breath that comes from G*d Himself we can begin to see that everything is from G*d's hand.

In a learning by Eli Touger he explains these concepts as not confined to periods when G*dliness is openly apparent. Quite the contrary, our parsha begins in the ultimate of concealment. Yehudah did not know he was speaking to Yosef. He thought he was addressing the Egyptian viceroy, and he had to plead for Binyamin's freedom after the young boy had been discovered in a compromising situation. Despite the weakness of his position, Yehudah advanced in the direction of oneness, and his approach led to the revelation that the Egyptian ruler was Yosef.

Our conduct and choice of priorities should be structured accordingly. There is no need to accept the standards of the world at large. By emulating Yehudah's example and striving toward oneness within our present situation, we can be the one to take the initiative that will lead to the expression of G*d in our world.

As we enter the month of Tevet lets bring the light of Chanukkah with us. Mindi Ribner says, "The challenge this entire month is to open our hearts, cultivate patience, practice forgiveness, and continually remember that nothing happens by accident and there is goodness within each challenge. Everything that is happening to us, what appears as good and what may feel as not so good, is designed to take us forward in your life. During this month, make a conscious effort to let go of the need to be right and attempt to see everything and everyone in the best light. We will know how we are progressing spiritually by observing our anger level. Becoming angered easily is a sign we need to purify ourselves."

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The only way we can transform our world is to start with ourselves, from the inside out beloved. This Shabbat join with some friends and bless the new moon in a service called Kiddush Lavana. Many of the customs of Kiddush Levana emphasize togetherness and communality. To recite the blessing and all the accompanying verses and sayings, we exit from inside to the outside. The blessing is said in a group, standing closely together thereby bringing the praise and glory of G*d from inside our heart to the world outside.

Rabbi Yohanan is quoted in the Gemara Sanhedrin 42a saying: “Whoever makes the blessing for the new moon in its proper time, it is as if he receives the Divine presence. And according to Rabbi Yohanan, the act of sanctifying the new moon (by saying the blessing over the moon) is somehow connected with the experience of the Divine that Israel had at the Red Sea. Just as the children of Israel felt the immediacy of the Divine presence during their experience at the Red Sea—so much so that “even a simple maidservant saw things (at the Red Sea) that the prophet Ezekiel ben Buzi could not see”—so, says Rabbi Yochanan, the simple act of saying the blessing for the new moon can create a feeling of nearness to G*d.
May it be so for us beloved~
Shabbat Shalom~Elisheva